Head Coach Nate Moore returns for a tenth year at the helm, having compiled a record at Massillon of 99-22. Included in that mark are six Division II regional playoff championships and one state championship, which was the 25th in the Tigers’ long history. Last season his nationally-ranked squad posted a perfect 16-0 record and captured the state title with a 7-2 victory over Akron Hoban. They also during the regular season defeated Lakewood St. Edward, a team that went on to capture the Division 1 state title.
The schedule will be formidable, with the likes of Bergen Catholic, NJ (11-1), Lakewood St. Edward (15-1), DeMatha Catholic, MD (9-2) and Canton McKinley (9-4). All that after opening the season against NFL Academy London at the Nike headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon.
The Tiger offense will be led by a new offensive coordinator, former Massillon player Alex Wood. Wood has an extensive resume, including head coaching stints at several colleges and assistant coaching positions with four different professional teams. He will welcome back a wealth of returning players to that side of the ball.
Jalen Slaughter is a 4-year starter at quarterback and ranks in the Top 5 of several career categories, including yards (4,112), attempts (466), completions (262) and touchdowns (49). He also holds single season records for average yards per completion (20.2) and pass efficiency (188.7). Slaughter is expected to be pushed by rising sophomore Mandwel Patterson and newcomer senior Sherraad Bennard III.
The Tigers return their top two receivers from last year in Honorable Mention All-Ohio senior Jacques Carter and Honorable Mention All-District senior Braylyn Toles. Carter last year caught 41 passes for 796 yards (19.4) and 8 touchdowns and Toles caught 46 passes for 619 yards (13.5 ave.) and 8 touchdowns. Also expected to be in the mix are senior Ricardo Wells and sophomores Deontay Malone and Gio Jackson.
Massillon also returns three speedy senior running backs, including Honorable Mention All-Ohio Ja’Meir Gamble (142-948-6.7, 5 TDs), Peytton Mitchell (71-444-6.3, 2 TDs) and Mylen Lenix (64-338-5.3, 6 TDs). The 280-lb. senior Michael Wright Jr. (29-118-4.1, 8 TDs) is also back to handle short yardage situations. Back-ups are expected to be sophomores Javon Merriweather and Savior Owens.
The offensive line will be bolstered by three players that started at one time or another, led by 2nd Team All-Ohio Nolan Davenport (Wisconsin) (6’-6”, 280). Michael Looney (5’-11”, 243) returns as a 3-year starter. Also returning is 2-year part-time starter Gavin Kappes (5’-11”, 250). Other linemen in the hunt for starting spots are seniors Chris Fair (6’-1”, 251) and Andrew Brumfield (5’-10”, 245). Juniors Logan Allman (6’-1”, 190) and Bishop Cupp (5’-8, 160) senior Deangelo Zimmerman (6’-2, 220) may be in the mix at tight end.
Massillon returns just three starters on defense, but has enough talent on the roster to adequately fill the other eight positions.
The line will be built around 1st Team All-Ohio senior Michael Wright Jr. (Youngstown State), a 4-year starter. He holds both the single season and career records for quarterback sacks and yards from sacks. The coaching staff will need to find replacements for the other two spots, which will be a key to duplicating last year’s outstanding team performances. Senior Deangelo Zimmerman saw action there last year
The linebacking corps in the 3-4 alignment will be led by senior Vito McConnell (Miami, OH) (6’-4”, 215). McConnell had three pass interceptions last year. Others under consideration include juniors Logan Allman (6’-1”, 190) and Jadyn Williams (6’-2, 200), plus seniors Lucas Shertzer (6’-1”, 170) and Stephen Reinhart (5’-9”, 205).
The secondary will be fast and experienced. Honorable Mention All-Ohio senior Tyler Hackenbracht (Toledo) (6’-2”, 207) returns at safety, where last year he intercepted three passes, taking one to the house. A pair of part-time starters are expected to man the cornerback positions, including senior Daylan Pringle (6’-0”, 170) and junior Lennox Lemon (6’-0”, 170). Junior newcomer Demari Clemons could also figure in the mix. He holds multiple Power-5 offers. Junior Tra’yon Williams (5’-11”, 188) may also see action.
The kicking duties are expected to be handled by senior Nolan Hendricks and sophomore Mateo Herrera. Herrera converted all 22 of his PAT attempts last year. Hackenbracht was the primary punter, while Hendricks did the punting the previous season. Hackenbracht and Gamble will once again handle return duties.
In the playoffs this year, Massillonn is favored to win their region, but will face stiff competition beyond that from Akron Hoban, Avon and Cincinnati Anderson, as the Tigers embark on a quest to repeat as state champion.