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Here are the Top Massillon Defensive Backs of All…

Here are the Top Massillon Defensive Backs of All Time

The integration of the spread offense, a concept that began during the late 1990s, had a major impact on the game.  Additional wide receivers were now in the lineup and twice as many balls were in the air, forcing defensive coaches to cover the entire field.  So, they compensated by stripping the front line of players.  But suddenly, defenses began struggling to control the run game.

It took a few years for coaches to figure it out, but the answer to controlling the run was to empower the free safeties to focus not only on the pass, but also on the run, particularly at the edges of the line. Suddenly, the defensive back position was thrust into the spotlight.  It now required a very athletic player, one who had the speed to match that of the wide receiver, while also having the size, quickness and fortitude to run downhill and challenge the running back.

Several Massillon players have filled that bill quite nicely, some even leading the team in tackles.  This story, hopefully, recognizes all of those that are deserving.  But the story does not forget those before the spread who were good in their own rights in defending the pass.

1940s

Tommy James (1938-40) – James played three years for Coach Paul Brown, during which time the Tigers never lost a game, winning three state championships and two national championships.  Following the 1940 season, James was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  Later, he played halfback for Ohio State University, sandwiching two spans around a 3-year stint in the U.S. Army.  After OSU, he played defensive back for the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Colts.  James is a member of both the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame and the Massillon Wall of Champions.

Bob Graber (1940-42) – Graber was a 2-year varsity starter at Massillon under coaches Paul  Brown, Bud Houghton and Elwood Kammer.  In 1941 the team finished 10-0, with a state championship.  The following year the Tigers were 9-1.  Graber holds the single season record with nine quarterback hurries.  He also has ten records book top tens.

 1950s

Andy Stavoroff (1954) – Stavoroff played one year for the Tigers on a Tom Harp team that finished with a 9-1 record and was voted in the A.P. as the state champion.  He owns three records book top tens.

 1960s

Floyd Pierce (1963) – Pierce was a varsity player for Massillon 1963 on Leo Strang’s 9-1 team that finished second in the state.  He holds three records book top tens.

Chuck Stoner (1967-68) – Stoner was a 2-year varsity player for head coach Bob Seaman.  During his senior year, the team finished 7-3, with Stoner contributing with six pass interceptions.  He also holds two records book top tens.

 1970s

Tom Hannon (1971-72) – Hannon was a 2-year starting defensive back, and also a starting running back during his senior year, under head coach Bob Commings.  In 1971 the Tigers finished sixth in the state with an 8-2 record and Hannon intercepting five passes.  The following year they finished 10-0 during the regular season, along with Hannon’s three interceptions, and qualified for Ohio’s first ever state playoffs.  At the end of his senior year, he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio at running back.  He also has two records book top tens on defense.  Later he played defensive back for Michigan State and the Minnesota Vikings. Hannon is a member of both the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame and the Massillon Wall of Champions.

Mark Streeter (1973-74) – Streeter was a 2-way player in both of his varsity years.  His coach was Chuck Shuff.  The 1973 team finished 9-1, while the 1974 team struggled to a 6-4 finish, but did upset unbeaten McKinley.  Following Massillon, Streeter played for Arizona University and the professionally for the Detroit Lions, the Winnepeg Blue Bombers, the Toronto Argonauts and the Hamilton Tiger Cats.

Darren Longshore (1977-78) – Longshore was a 2-year starter for the Tigers under Coach Mike Currence.  In 1977 Massillon recorded an 8-2 record, while suffering a 2-point loss to Barberton and a 1-point loss to Warren Harding.  However, the Tigers did beat eventual state runner-up Canton McKinley, 21-0.  Longshore had two pass interceptions that year.  In 1978 Massillon was undefeated, posting a 9-0-1 record.  The tie was against Warren.  Longshore had six interceptions that year, along with 62 return yards. Following the season, he was named 3^rd Team All-Ohio.  He holds two records book top tens.  Later, he played for Iowa State.

 1980s

Mike Spicer (1979-80) – Spicer was a starter on a 1980 team that finished 10-2-1 and advanced to the playoff state finals.  His coach was Mike Currence.  Spicer led the team that year in pass interceptions with six, which qualifies for the records book top ten.  Following the season, he was named Honorable Mention All-Ohio.

 1990s

Dan Hackenbracht (1991-92) – Hackenbracht was a 2-year starter first under Lee Owens and then under Jack Rose.  In 1991 the team finished 10-3 and captured the Division I regional title.  Hackenbracht that year recorded 22 tackles and one pass interception.  The following year the team went 5-5, with Hackenbracht named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  He holds two records book top tens.  Later, he played for Michigan State and was then an assistant coach for Massillon.  Hackenbracht is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.

Willie Spencer, Jr. (1993-94) – Spencer started at safety in 1993 and then quarterback in 1994, under head coach Jack Rose.  In 1993 the team finished with a record of 10-2 and advanced to the playoff regional finals.  Spencer had a knack for baiting the opposing team to throw in his direction.  Six times he was successful.  He owns two records book top tens.  In his senior year as a quarterback, he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  Following Massillon, Spencer played quarterback for both the University of Akron and Tiffin University.  Spencer is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.

Josh Krieder (1996-97) – Krieder started two years for the Tigers under head coach Jack Rose.  During his junior year he led the team with four pass interceptions.  Massillon finished 9-2 that year.  During his senior year the Tigers finished 7-3, while he added three more picks.  For his exceptional play, Krieder was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.

2000s

Jamaal Ballard (2000-02) – Ballard was a 2-year starter under coach Rick Shepas.  In 2001 the team compiled a record of 12-2, while defeating Canton McKinley twice and winning the playoff regional championship.  Ballard led the team with five pass interceptions.  During his senior year the Tigers finished 11-3 and repeated as regional champs.  Ballard that year had six picks, one of which he returned 30 yards for a touchdown.  Three takeaways alone came in a 34-17 victory over McKinley.  He also returned a fumble for a score.  Ballard owns two records book top tens.

Billy Relford (2001-03) – Relford started two years under head coach Rick Shepas and made the most of it, by setting four career defensive records and finding the records book top tens fourteen times.  In 2002 the Tigers recorded an 11-3 record and captured the playoff regional championship.  During his junior year Relford intercepted 12 passes, two of which were returned for touchdowns.  He had four picks alone against North Canton Hoover in a playoff game, including a 50-yard return for a TD.  He also had three against McKinley.  During his senior year he had four pass interceptions, along with 89 return yards.  He also had six pass breakups and two fumble recoveries.  After the season he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  Relford set single game records for pass interceptions (4) and return yards (133), those coming against Hoover.  He also set career records for pass interceptions (12) and pass interception yards (260).  He was also a team captain and named 1^st Team All-Ohio.

Troy Ellis (2003-05) – Ellis was a 3-year starter, as a sophomore and junior under Rick Shepas and as a senior under Tom Stacy.  In 2003 he was fourth on the team with 33.0 tackle points, two pass breakups and two fumble recoveries.  During his junior year he was fifth on the team with 26.0 tackles, two intercepted passes and five breakups.  It was during his senior year that he had his most success.  That year, Massillon finished with a record of 13-2 and was state runner-up in the Division I playoffs.  Ellis had 39.0 tackle points, ten pass interceptions, eight pass breakups and a recovered fumble, that one a 25-yard return against Cincinnati Elder.  He also returned two interceptions for scores: against Eastlake North (42 yds.) and against Canton McKinley (50 yds.).  Following the season Ellis was named 2^nd Team All-Ohio.  He holds the single game record for pass interceptions (5 vs. Elder), along with 14 records book top tens.  Ellis is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.

Andrew Dailey (2004-06) – Dailey started two years for the Tigers, under Tom Stacy and Jason Hall.  In 2005 the team finished with a record of 13-2 and was state runner-up.  Dailey, playing hybrid defensive back / outside linebacker, was third on the team with 68 tackle points.  He also had 7.5 tackles-for-loss, one pass interception, four pass breakups, four forced fumbles, one recovered fumble and two blocks.  In the state championship game, he recorded a team-high 7.5 tackle points.  For his effort he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  In his senior year Massillon finished 7-5.  Daily was limited to 23.0 tackle points, as opponents tended to stay away from his side of the defense.  He also had 5.5 TFLs and a pass interception.  Plus, he repeated as 1^st Team All-Ohio.  Dailey holds the career record with five forced fumbles.  He is also a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.

 Corey Hildreth (2007) – Hildreth was a 2-year starter under head coach Tom Stacy.  During his junior year, with the team finishing 7-5, he recorded 18.0 tackle points and intercepted two passes.  In his senior year he led the team with 64.5 tackle points.  He also had 8.5 TFLs and five pass breakups.  Following the season Hildreth was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  He holds one records book top ten.

J.T. Turner (2008) – Turner was a starter for two years under Tom Stacy and Jason Hall.  As a junior starter he had 33.0 tackle points, intercepted three pass and broke up another five.  The following year the Tigers finished 10-4 and captured the playoff regional championship.  Turner that year had 24.5 tackle points, intercepted three passes and broke up another four.  Following the season, he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  He holds four records book top tens.

Bo Grunder (2007-09) – Grunder was a 2-year starter under head coach Jason Hall.  During his junior year he recorded 20.0 tackle points, including 5.5 tackles for loss, three pass interceptions and four breakups.  The following year the Tigers finished 10-4 and captured the playoff regional championship.  Grunder led the team with 88.5 tackle points.  He also recorded 7.0 TFLs, nine interceptions, five pass breakups and four fumble recoveries.  In a 17-10 playoff victory over North Canton Hoover Grunder was in on 16 tackles.  Following the season he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  He also owns 11 records book top tens.  Grunder is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.  He is currently entering his sixth season as assistant coach for the Massillon Tigers.

 2010s

Gareon Conley (2010-12) – Conley was a 2-time starter on defense under head coach Jason Hall.  In 2011 the team finished with a 7-3 record.  Conley recorded 25.0 tackle points, four pass interceptions and six breakups.  The Tigers improved drastically the following year, posting an 11-2 record and advancing in the playoffs to the regional finals.  Conley that year was a shut-down corner as evidenced by his 13 pass breakups.  Following the season, he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  He holds six records book top tens.  Later, he played for Ohio State, the Oakland Raiders and the Houston Texans.  He is currently playing for the D.C. Defenders of the UFL.  Conley is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.

Anthony Ballard (2015-17) – Ballard was a 3-year starter for the Tigers under Coach Nate Moore.  During his sophomore season he broke up six passes.  The following year the team finished with an 8-3 record.  Ballard was fourth on the team with 27.0 tackle points, including 6.5 during the 21-19 victory over Canton McKinley.  He also had 15 pass breakups.  In his senior year Massillon went 10-4 and captured the playoff regional championship.  Ballard had 43.0 tackle points, to along with five pass breakups.  He holds one records book top ten.

Max Turner (2018) – Turner was considered a “shut down” corner during two years as a starter.  In 2017 the team finished 10-4 and captured the playoff regional championship.  Turner had three pass interceptions and broke up nine others.  The following year the Tigers finished 14-1 and played for the state championship.  Turner contributed with 33.0 tackle points, 4.5 tackles for loss, six pass interceptions and 19 pass breakups.  Included in that was two picks vs. Cincinnati Winton Woods, one of which was returned 38 yards for a TD.  Following the season, he was named 3^rd Team All-Ohio.  He holds single season records with 19 pass breakups and three interceptions returned for scores.  He also holds the career record with 28 pass breakups.  And he owns ten records book top tens.

Luke Murphy (2017-19) – Murphy was a starter for two years under head coach Nate Moore.  During his junior year the Tigers finished with a record of 14-1 and runner-up in the Division II state finals.  Murphy had 30.5 tackle points, two pass interceptions and four breakups.  In his senior year Massillon repeated as state runner-up, with a 14-1 record.  This time Murphy led the team with 85.5 tackle points, including 13 against Perry in a playoff game.  He also had five tackles for loss, two pass interceptions and six pass breakups.  Following the season, he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  Murphy holds three records book top tens.  Later, he played for Kent State University and Coastal Carolina University.

Dean Clark (2016-18) – Clark was a 2-year starter for the Tigers under head coach Nate Moore.  In 2017 Massillon finished 10-4 and captured the playoff regional championship.  Clark was second on the team with 63.0 tackle points, including 4.5 TFLs.  The following year the Tigers finished with a record of 14-1 and runner-up in the Division II state finals.  Clark was again second on the team in tackle points, with 80.0.  He also had 10.5 TFLs, three sacks, a pass interception and two pass breakups.  Following the season, he was named Honorable Mention All-Ohio.  Later he played for Kent State University and Fresno State University.  He is currently with the New York Jets.

 2020s

 Austin Brawley (2019-21) – Brawley started two years at safety for Massillon under head coach Nate Moore.  In his junior season the Tigers finished with a record of 10-2 and advanced to the playoff state finals.  Brawley was fourth on the team with 47.5 tackle points.  He also had three pass interceptions and seven pass breakups.  Included in that was 7.5 tackle points in the 35-7 victory over Canton McKinley.  As a senior Massillon finished 11-3 and advanced to the regional championship game.  This time Brawley was second on the team with 71.5 tackle points, to go along with two pass interceptions.  Following his career as a Tiger, he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  He holds six records book top tens.  Later, he played for Ohio University.  He is currently on the roster of New Mexico.

Ryan Zentkovich (2019-21) – Zentkovich saw action in 9 of 12 games as a junior and then became a starter as a senior, under head coach Nate Moore.  In that year, he led the team with 74.0 tackle points, including three tackles for loss.  He also recorded two pass interceptions and four pass breakups.  Following the season Zentkovich was named 2^nd Team All-District.

Tyler Hackenbracht (2022-24) – Hackenbracht was a 2-starter at safety for the Tigers under head coach Nate Moore.  He was a also a part-time starter as a sophomore.  In 2023 Massillon finished with a record of 16-0 and captured the Division II state championship.  Hackenbracht was fourth on the team with 39.5 tackle points and three pass interceptions.  For his effort he was awarded Honorable Mention All-Ohio.  During his senior year the Tigers recorded an 11-3 season and advanced to the playoff regional finals.  Hackenbracht lead the team with 83.5 tackle points and five pass breakups.  Against McKinley, in a 16-7 victory, he participated in 13 tackles.  Following the year Hackenbracht was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  He holds six records book top tens and currently plays for the University of Toledo.

 

Here are the Top Massillon Linebackers of All Time

Here are the Top Massillon Linebackers of All Time

There are two prevailing axioms in the game of football.  The first is that a consistently winning team is one that both runs the ball and stops the run.  The second is that defense wins championships.  Sounds good on paper.  But, to achieve this ultimate degree of success, a team still needs skilled players that can control the action and make the necessary tackles.  And that begins with the linebackers.

A good linebacker is cut from a different cloth.  For starters, he has a Type A personality.  As such, he doesn’t connect the pain of contact with the joy of success.  He is aggressive and tough.  He is strong and has good speed.  He possesses outstanding linebacker skills and football instincts.  He can shed blocks, pursue ball carriers and tackle fundamentally.  And he has a above average leadership aptitude.  If he brings all that to the table, success will surely follow.

Massillon is fortunate to have had many exceptional linebackers in its long history.  The best may have been Chris Spielman (All-American, Ohio State, NFL), who owns three of the top five spots in the records book for tackle points per game.  A couple of other great ones were Steve Luke (Ohio State, NFL) and Dorian Pringle (All-American, Bowling Green).

This story presents what is perceived to be Massillon’s best linebackers of all time, disbursed by decade.  The selections are based primarily on post-season awards (All-Ohio status and Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame) and secondarily on statistics (note that detailed player statistics were recorded only during 1981-88, 1990-91 and 2003-present), football life after Massillon and team defensive performance.  The story does not, however, attempt to rank the players from top to bottom.   That is left up to the reader.

1930s

Don Snavely (1935-36) – Snavely was a 2-year starter for the Tigers under head coach Paul Brown.  In 1935 the team finished with a 10-0 record, while outscoring the opposition by an average of 48-1, and was rewarded with state and national championships.  After the season Snavely was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  The following year the Tigers again posted a 10-0 mark, with a scoring advantage of 44-1, with Snavely named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  Then he was off to Columbia for more football.  Snavely is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.

1940s

None

1950s

Chuck Vliet (1949-50) – Vliet is credited with setting a record for the most tackles in a single game.  It was against Warren Harding that head coach Chuck Mather advised Vliet just prior to the game that he was to make every tackle, while advising the rest of the players to keep him free of any potential blockers.  The strategy worked and behind Vliet’s 42 tackles Massillon won the game 23-6.  The Tigers finished the year with a 10-0 record, with an average scoring advantage of 41-4.  They also captured state and national championships.

Gary Bednar (1957-59) – Bednar was a key player in the 1959 team that finished 10-0 and was awarded with state and national championships.  The Tigers that year outscored their opponents by an average of 43-5.  Following the season Bednar was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.

1960s

Paul Marks (1963-65) – Marks had a stellar year in 1965 leading his team to a 10-0 mark and a state championship, the second consecutive crown for head coach Earl Bruce.  Marks was named 1^st Team All-Ohio after the season and later played for Memphis University.  He is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.

Ron Ertle (1966-67) – A 7-6 loss to eventual state champion Upper Arlington was the only blemish on a 1967 team that finished as state runner-up.  Ertle was a force on defense and was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  After Massillon he played for the University of Cincinnati.  He is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.

Pat Midgley (1968-69) – Midgley was the primary focus on defense for head coach Bob Commings, who finished 7-2-1 in his inaugural season at Massillon.  Midgley was named 2^nd Team All-Ohio and later played for Ohio University.

1970s

Steve Luke (1969-70) – In 1970 Luke led his team to a perfect 10-0 record, along with a state championship and runner-up finish in the national poll.  The Tigers were tremendous on defense and outscored their opponents by a 41-3 margin, including a 28-0 defeat of Canton McKinley, the state’s No. 3 team.  For his effort, Luke was named 3^rd Team All-Ohio.  He later played defensive back for Ohio State University and then enjoyed a long career with the Green Bay Packers.  Luke is a member of both the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame and the Massillon Wall of Champions.

Tim Gutshall (1972-74) – Gutshall was a 2-year starter at inside linebacker.  As a junior, under head coach Bob Commings, the team finished 8-1-1.  A season-ending loss to McKinley prevented the Tigers from achieving a second consecutive playoff qualification (one team qualified per region).  The following year Massillon finished 6-4, with new coach Chuck Shuff at the helm.  Gutshall later played for the University of Iowa.

1980s

Chris Spielman (1981-83) – Spielman may be the best linebacker to have ever played for Massillon.  A 3-year starter, he holds career records for unassisted tackles (246), total tackles (352) and tackle points (299).  Spielman was so adept at the position that he was earmarked even as a sophomore to call the defensive alignment prior to each play.  During that first year he recorded 7.8 tackle points per game, which is ranked 5^th all-time.  The team finished 7-3.  Although the Tigers lost to eventual state champion McKinley 9-6, they managed to hold the Bulldogs to a mere 55 yards rushing in 31 attempts.  The following year Massillon posted a 12-1 record, while besting the opposition on average 28-4, and advanced in the playoffs to the Division I state title game.  Spielman set four single-season records for unassisted tackles (113), total tackles (156), tackle points (134.5) and tackle points per game (10.4).  He was also named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  In 1983 the Tigers were a game away from qualifying for the state playoffs, finishing with a 9-1 record and outscoring the opponents on average 28-6.  Spielman recorded 9.5 tackle points per game (2^nd all-time) and was again named 1^st Team All-Ohio, along with All-American.  He holds twelve records book top tens.  Later, he played for Ohio State University, Detroit Lions (NFC Defensive Rookie of the Year), Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns.  He is a member of both the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame and the Wall of Champions.

Pete Johnson (1983-84) – Johnson was a starter at inside linebacker for the 1984 season,   leading the team in tackles with 82 solos and 21 assists on a team that finished 6-4.  He also produced 9.3 tackle points per game, which is ranked 3^rd all-time.  Johnson owns three records book top tens.

Pat Spicer (1983-84) – Spicer also had a good year as a starter in 1984 with 77 solo tackles to go along with 30 assists.  His 9.2 tackle points per game ranks 4^th all-time.  Spicer holds three records book top tens.

1990s

Eric Wright (1990-91) – Wright was a 2-year starter at middle linebacker.  In his junior year he led the team with 102 total tackles.  During his senior year, Wright again led the team in total tackles, this time with 103.  The team finished 10-3, while outscoring the opposition by an average of 36-14 and was regional champion in the playoffs.  Following the season, Wright was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  He is also a member of the Massillon Tiger Football of Fame.

Jason Woullard (1990-91) – Wollard also a 2-year starter at outside linebacker.  In his junior year he recorded 86 total tackles, second best on the team.  In his senior year he was named 2^nd Team All-Ohio.  Woullard owns two records book top tens.  Later, he played for Bowling Green.

 2000s

Shawn Crable (2000-02) – Crable was a 2-year starter at outside linebacker, using his size (6’-5”) and speed to brandish a dominating pass rush.  In his junior year the team finished 12-2 and advanced to the state semifinals.  Crable was awarded Special Mention All-Ohio.  In his senior year, Massillon recorded an 11-3 season and again advanced to the state semifinal game, where the Tigers lost in overtime to Warren Harding.  For his exceptional play, Crable was named 2^nd Team All-Ohio.  Later, he played for the University of Michigan, the New England Patriots and the New York Jets, plus the Hamilton Lions and Hamilton Tiger Cats of the CFL.  He is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.

Paris McCall (2003-05) – McCall started at middle linebacker in 2005 and recorded 6.4 tackle points per game.  He also set a record with 4.5 quarterback sacks in the game against Dover, to go along with 14 records book top tens.  The team finished 13-2 and was playoff state runner-up.  Following the season, McCall was named 2^nd Team All-Ohio.  Later, McCall played football for Northern Iowa Community Junior College and arena football in Texas.

Spencer Leno (2007-09) – Leno was a 3-year starter at linebacker.  His best year was in 2009 when he recorded 6.1 tackle points per game on a 10-4 team that advanced to the state semifinal game.  He was also named Honorable Mention All-Ohio.  Leno holds career records for assisted tackles (173), plus four records book top tens.  He later coached at Massillon, first as an inside linebackers assistant and then as offensive coordinator.  Leno is currently the head coach at Massillon Perry.

2010s

JD Crabtree (2012) – Crabtree was a starter on the 2012 team that finished 11-2 and advanced to the regional finals game.  During the season he averaged 5.1 tackle points per game and was a force in the playoff contest against Canton McKinley, participating in 13 tackles.  He also holds nine records book top tens.

Danny Robinson (2012-14) – Robinson saw significant playing time as a sophomore and then became a starter for the following two years.  In 2013, the Tigers finished 9-3 and advanced to the regional semifinals.  Robinson that year averaged 5.3 tackle points per game, with 14 tackles in the game against Medina Highland.  The following year the team finished 7-4, with Robinson averaging 6.1 tackle points per game, including 15 tackles vs. Akron St. Vincent.  In both years he was named Special Team All-Ohio.  He also owns four records book top tens.

Ben Krichbaum (2017-19) – Krichbaum played in all but two games during a 3-year varsity career, with the Tigers winning 38 of 44 games.  In 2018 he set a single season record for assisted tackles with 78, while averaging 5.4 tackle points per game.  His high was 11 tackles against Akron Hoban.  The following year he averaged 5.1 tackle points per game, with 13 tackles vs. Avon.  He is also credited with a key quarterback sack in the regional finals game against Akron Hoben to preserve the victory.  He has eight records book top tens.

Caiden Woullard (2018-20) – Woullard comprises a father-son duo of All-Ohio players.  He started as a junior on the 2019 Massillon state runner-up team that finished 14-1 and held opponents to just 12 points per game.  During the year he recorded 18.0 tackles for loss and 6.0 quarterback sacks.  For his play he was named 2nd Team All-Ohio.  The following year the team recorded a 10-2 season, with Woullard contributing 10.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.  This time he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  He also owns five records book top tens.  Later, Woullard played for Miami of Ohio and Oklahoma.  He is currently involved in TFL tryouts.

2020s

Jaiden Wise (2020) – Wise started at outside linebacker on the 2020 team that finished 10-2 that advanced in the playoffs to the state championship game.   Wise recorded an average of 4.5 tackle points per game on a defense that surrendered just 14 points per outing against a very formidable schedule.  Fourteen of his tackles came against Cleveland Benedictine.  Following the season Wise was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.

Cody Fair (2021-23) – Fair was a starting inside linebacker on the 2023 state championship team that held opponents to just seven points per game.  For the season he averaged 5.4 tackle points per outing, with ten tackles each against Valdosta, GA, and Akron Hoban (state finals).  He was named 3^rd Team All-Ohio.  The previous year, Fair averaged 4.5 tackle points per game and achieved Honorable Mention All-Ohio recognition on a team that finished 12-2 and advanced to the state semifinal game.  He holds six records book top tens and currently plays for the U.S. Naval Academy.

Dorian Pringle (2022-23) – Pringle was a 2-year starter at inside linebacker and was an impact player on both sides of the ball, while having his best games against the top competition.  In his junior year, on a team that finished 12-2, he recorded 5.4 tackle points per game, with 16 total tackles against Lakewood St. Edward and 14 vs. Akron Hoban.  He was also named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  In his senior year he had 4.7 tackle points per game for the state champion Tigers, which held opponents to just seven points per game.  His top performances were 14 tackles against Akron Hoban and 10 vs. St. Edward.  His most memorable play came at the end of the game against Hoban when he broke up a fourth down pass at the goal line to preserve a 7-2 Massillon victory and a state championship.  Following the season, he was again named 1^st Team All-Ohio, along with achieving All-American honors.  Pringle holds single season records for tackles for loss (24.5) and tackles for loss yards (126).  He also owns fifteen records book top tens.  Pringle currently plays for Bowling Green.

Mylen Lenix (2022-24) – After playing exclusively offense in 2023, Lenix became the starting outside linebacker the following year.  And he had a successful season, recording 5.3 tackle points per game, three records book top tens and 2^nd Team All-Ohio honors.  The team that year finished 11-3, while surrendering just 12 points per game, and advanced in the playoffs to the regional finals.

Ja’Dyn Williams (2023-25) – Williams was a 2-year starter for the Tigers after serving as a primary backup during his sophomore year.  In 2024 he recorded 6.1 tackle points per game on a team that finished 11-3 and advanced to the regional finals game.  As a senior, he led the team with 6.4 tackle points per game and accumulated 5.5 quarterback sacks.  He also recovered five fumbles.  And he had 17 total tackles against Division IV state champion Cleveland Glenville.  For his performance he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  He currently plays for defending national champion Indiana University.

Here are the Top Massillon Linemen of All Time

Here are the Top Massillon Linemen of All Time

Quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers have a wealth of performance statistics available that can be used to determine post-season honors.  But the same does not hold true for linemen.  In that area, it is normally left up to the coaches to campaign for their players.  And it doesn’t hurt when a player’s team also has a successful season.  For Massillon, that is during most years, and the Tigers throughout their long history have had around 275 linemen achieve the highest award, that is All-Ohio.

The most prudent way then for this writer in selecting the best linemen is to use the All-Ohio teams.  But it is a daunting task to choose from among so many players who achieved either 1st Team, 2nd Team, Honorable Mention or Special Mention recognition.  Therefore, it is limited to those that have achieved 1st Team.  If the reader wants to see all of Massillon’s All-Ohio players, just click on this Link.

The players below are grouped into three distinct categories.  The first is the “Early Years.”  Prior to 1951 the Ohio High School Athletic Association did not differentiate between offense and defense when selecting the All-Ohio teams.  Most likely it was because most players at that time started on both of sides of the ball and were perhaps equally effective at each position.  The second group covers a time period from 1951 to present and is dedicated to the “Offensive Players,” while the third goes to the “Defensive Players,” again from 1951.

Note that prior to the implementation of the spread offense in the late 1990s the position of “end” was not too different from that of an interior lineman; i.e., having a primary responsibility to block for the running back.  So these players are included with the linemen.

 

 

Michael Wright Jr. – Set single-season records for quarterback sacks (10.5) and quarterback sack lost yards (76).  Set career records for tackles-for-loss (49), tackles-for-loss lost yards (258), quarterback sacks (23) and quarterback sack lost yards (101).   Owns 19 records book top tens.

Antonio James– Owns seven records book top tens.

Caiden Woullard – Owns six records book top tens.

Jared Vance – Owns one records book top ten.

Note: The Massillon statisticians did not begin recording defensive statistics until 1982.  Therefore, the records book regarding defense is valid only from that year and going forward.

Here are the Top Massillon Wide Receivers of All…

Here are the Top Massillon Wide Receivers of All Time

Massillon is very fortunate to have had several outstanding wide receivers in their long history.  All of them were athletically talented, possessed great speed, had good hands, ran routes well and made the difficult catches, regardless of whether they were of the short variety or well down the field.

What is believed to be the best are listed here and most, while having put up some great statistics and achieved All-Ohio honors, have gone on to play at the collegiate level, and some even professionally.  The players are grouped in two categories: pre-spread offense and spread offense, since those of the latter benefited from schemes that simply involved more passes, providing receivers better chances to exhibit their skills.

PRE-SPREAD OFFENSE

Wendell Lohr (1933-34) – Lohr was a starter on Paul Brown’s 1934 team that finished as the state runner-up with a 9-1 record.  During the season he tallied 11 touchdown receptions, including five against Barberton to set a single game Massillon record.  The TDs went for 16, 44, 10, 29 and 20 yards.  He also scored on a 50-yard punt return in the 54-0 win.  Following the season, Lohr was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.

Horace Gillom (1938-40) – Gillom was a starter on three state championship teams under Brown, two of which were named national champion.  He had 19 touchdown receptions during his career, along with several rushing TDs.  Against Canton McKinley in the 1940 game, he tallied two passing touchdowns in a 34-6 victory.  He also had three against Steubenville in a 66-0 win.  Gillom was twice named 1^st Team All-Ohio and holds one record book top ten.  Following Massillon, he suited up for the University of Nevada and then for the Cleveland Browns.

Jim Wood (1958-59) – Wood played two years for Head Coach Leo Strang, including on the 1959 state and national championship team.  During his senior season, he set a single game record by averaging 31.1 yards per reception.  He also rushed for 488 yards.  His high mark came in Week 2 when he scored three receiving touchdowns, of 15, 64 and 26 yards, against Canton Lincoln in a 65-0 win.

Curt Strawder (1978) – Strawder benefitted from the accurate passing of Brent Offenbecher within Coach Mike Currence’s “run-and-shoot” offense.  In 1977 he caught 26 passes for 518 yards and four touchdowns.  The following year he snagged 42 passes for 553 yards and 4 TDs.  Two of the scores came in the fourth quarter of the game against McKinley, which erased a 10-0 deficit, enroute to a 14-10 victory and a 9-01 season finish.  Strawder that year was named 2^nd Team All Ohio.  He holds one records book top ten.

Marty Guzetta (1978-79) – Guzetta was a 2-year starter for the Tigers, in 1978 and 1979.  It was during his second year, on a team that finished 10-1, that he set a single-season record with 50 pass receptions (that record was later broken), along with 706 yards.  His top game was against Niles McKinley, when he caught seven passes for 126 yards and two touchdowns.  Following the season Guzetta was named 2^nd Team All-Ohio.  He also holds three records book top tens.

Bruce Spicer (1983-84) – In Spicer’s second year of varsity ball he recorded 56 receptions for 583 yards, including seven catches against Warren Harding plus a TD in an 18-6 victory, nine against Akron Central-Hower in a 20-18 win, eight against Stow plus a TD in a 38-31 win and seven vs. Perry in a 10-0 win.  His high mark came against Canton McKinley when he caught eleven passes for 104 yards.  The Honorable Mention All-Ohioan has three records book top tens.

Rameir Martin (1988-89) – Martin started during his senior year and finished with 59 receptions for 883 yards and seven touchdowns, for a team that posted a 10-3 record and advanced to the state semifinals, under head coach Lee Owens.  Against McKinley, he caught nine passes for 110 yards and one TD in a 24-7 victory.  Martin was named 1^st Team All-Ohio and later played for Bowling Green University.  He holds four records book top tens.

SPREAD OFFENSE

Devin Jordan (2001-02) – Jordan was the “go-to” guy during his junior and senior seasons, under head coach Rick Shepas.  In 2001 he recorded 98 receptions for 1,492 yards and 18 touchdowns, while averaging 7.0 receptions per game.  All three marks are Massillon Number 1 records.  Jordan was the recipient of many throws from quarterback Justin Zwick, while operating within Coach Rick Shepas’ spread offense.  Jordan had eleven receptions against Mansfield, ten against Canton McKinley and nine against Akron Garfield on a 12-2 team that advanced to the state semifinals game.  The following year the team finished 11-3 and again advanced to the state semifinals game.  Jordan recorded 45 receptions for 893 yards and 12 TDs, this time from quarterback Matt Martin.  His most memorable catch came against Perry in the regional finals when he caught a back shoulder pass that set up a game winning field goal as time expired.  Jordan was named 1^st Team All-Ohio in both years and then left for Ohio State University.  But not before recording his name in the records book sixteen times.

Zack Vanryzin (2004-05) – Vanryzin was a steady performer throughout the 2005 season, while playing for Tom Stacy, catching balls from quarterback Bobby Huth.  His high game came in the season opener when he caught six passes for 97 yards and a touchdown against Dover in a 31-0 win.  But his big catch came against Lakewood St.  Edward during the state semifinals.  In the first quarter Vanryzin broke loose from the Eagle secondary and hauled in a 67-yard touchdown pass to give the Tigers an initial lead in the game.  He finished with three receptions for 87 yards in the 21-17 victory.  Massillon lost in the state finals, but did post a 13-2 record.  Vanryzin owns two records book top tens.

Devin Smith (2009-10) – Smith was a 2-year starter and 2-year 1^st Team All-Ohioan.  In 2009 he caught 50 passes from Robert Partridge for 989 yards and 15 touchdowns on a team that finished 10-4 and advanced to the state semifinals game.  Against Mentor he caught four passes for 144 yards and three TDs, including the game-winner of 67 yards midway through the fourth quarter.  In all, he had three outings of 135 yards or more receiving.  As a senior, Smith caught 60 passes from quarterback Kyle Kempt and Brody Tonn for 1,130 yards and nine TDs.  In eight of the eleven  games the team played that year he eclipsed the 100-yard mark in receiving, including Akron Buchtel (144), GlenOak (116), Mentor (127), Steubenville (121), Warren Harding (144), Avon Grove, PA, (109), McKinley (135) and Toledo Whitmer (100), while averaging a whopping 17.9 yards per catch.  Smith holds 14 records book top tens.  Later, he played for Ohio State University, New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys.

 Justin Olack (2009-10) – Olack was a starter for two years.  In 2009 the team finished with a 10-4 record and concluded the season in the state semifinals.  During the year Olack caught 49 passes for 763 yards, including five receptions against Akron Garfield, five against Cleveland St. Ignatius and seven vs. McKinley in a 10-7 playoff victory.  The following year he caught 37 passes for 661 yards and nine TDs.  His high mark was eight receptions for 150 yards and a touchdown in a thrilling 28-27 victory over Canton GlenOak.  Following the season, he was named 3^rd Team All-Ohio, while owning four records book top tens.  Olack later played football for the University of Toledo.

Garion Conley (2010-12) – Conley’s forte was on the defensive side of the ball as a cornerback.  But he adequately filled the needed role of wide receiver as a senior in 2012.  On a team that finished 11-2 and advanced to the regional finals, he caught 50 passes from Kempt for 1,096 yards and 16 touchdowns.  Six times he eclipsed the 100-yard mark, including games against GlenOak (117), Perry (103), Akron Firestone (176), Austintown Fitch (108), McKinley (106) and Mentor (222).  Following the season, he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio at wide receiver.  He also holds seven records book top tens.  Later, Conley played cornerback for Ohio State University, Oakland Raiders and Houston Texans.  He is currently with the D.C. Defenders of the UFL.

Austin Jasinski (2014-16) – Jasinski was a 2-year starter, receiving passes from quarterback Seth Blankenship in both years.  In 2015, under head coach Nate Moore, he caught 27 passes for 458 yards, including five for 80 yards and two TDs against Warren Harding.  The following year, he caught 50 passes for 1,269 yards and 17 touchdowns on a team that finished 8-3.  It was against Toledo Bowsher that he set a record for average yards per catch (46.7), hauling in 3 passes for 140 yards and 3 TDs.  He also in that game ran a punt back 80 yards for a score.  Plus, he had big games against Youngstown Ursuline (6-146-2), Akron Firestone (7-163-1) and Dublin Scioto (4-168-2).  Jasinski was named 1^st Team All-Ohio following the season.  He holds 17 records book top tens.

Austin Kutscher (2016-17) – Kutscher started for two years and was a “go-to“ receiver for quarterback Aidan Longwell during his senior year, with 93 receptions for 1,349 yards and 15 touchdowns.  Against Canisius, NY, he caught 17 passes for 208 yards, while setting a single game record for receptions.  He also caught 13 passes against New Albany in the playoffs for 149 yards and a TD in a 24-6 victory and eight passes against Cincinnati Winton Woods for 144 yards and two touchdowns.  Kutscher owns 13 records book top tens and later played for Ohio State University.

Tre’Von Morgan (2017-18) – The 6’-6” Morgan as an inviting target for quarterback Aidan Longwell during the two years he was a starter.  In 2017 the team finished 10-4 and advanced to the state semifinals game.  Morgan contributed with 36 catches for 489 yards and two TDs, including four receptions for 77 yards and the winning touchdown against McKinley in the 16-15 victory.  The following year the Tigers finished 14-1, while concluding the season in the state finals game.  Against national power East St. Louis, MO, Morgan caught eight passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns in a 46-40 win.  He was awarded 3^rd Team All-Ohio and also holds 3 records book top tens.  He later played for Michigan State University and the University of Kentucky.

Jayden Ballard (2017-20) – Ballard immediately became an impact player as a deep ball threat in 2018 as a sophomore starter, owing to his size and speed.  He finished the year with 36 receptions from Longwell for 851 yards and 12 touchdowns, while helping his team to a 14-1 record and state runner-up finish.  He also set a record with a 95-yard TD catch against Gateway, PA.   In the Austintown Fitch game, Ballard caught eight passes for 157 yards and three TDs in a 42-14 win.  The following year his team again reached the state finals with a 14-1 record.  His high marks were nine receptions for 114 yards and two TDs against McKinley in a 24-14 win and ten catches for 186 yards and two touchdowns, of 57 and 82 yards, vs. Perry in a 35-7 victory in the playoffs.  During his senior year Ballard caught 36 passes from quarterback Zach Catrone for 573 yards and 7 touchdowns, including seven receptions for 150 yards and three TDs against Perry in a 43-13 victory.  He concluded his time as a Tiger with records for career receiving yards (2,737) and career receiving touchdowns (39).  He also owns 15 records book top tens.  Later, he played for Ohio State University and the University of Wisconsin.  He is currently trying out for professional teams.

Andrew Wilson-Lamp (2018-20) – Wilson-Lamp was a 2-time starter on teams that finished as state runners-up, with records of 14-1 and 10-2, respectively.  In 2017 he caught 55 passes for 1,049 yards and 11 touchdowns.  Against Akron St. Vincent, he caught 11 passes for 232 yards, setting a single-game record for single-game yards.  He also had eight receptions for 142 yards and three TDs vs. Perry in a 35-7 playoff victory.  Following the season, he was named Special Mention All-Ohio.  As a senior Lamp was primarily a cornerback, but played receiver enough to catch 11 passes for 319 yards.  This time he was named Honorable Mention All-Ohio.  He owns 8 records book top tens.  Later, he played for West Virginia University, Eastern Carolina University and the University of Toledo as a corner.

Ardell Banks (2020-22) – Banks became a starter in 2021 and a featured receiver the following year.  In 2021 he caught 44 passes from quarterback Jalen Slaughter for 733 yards and eight touchdowns on a team that finished 11-3 and advanced to the regional finals.  The following year he pulled in 38 passes for 791 yards and 12 touchdowns.  His top games that year were six catches for 132 yards and two TDs vs. Warren Harding, 5 catches for 164 yards and 2 TDs, of 70 and 32 yards, vs. Lakewood St. Edward in a 31-28 win and 6 catches for 150 yards and 2 TDs vs. Perry.  The 1^st Team All-Ohio Banks left with five records book top tens and later played for the University of Kentucky and Kent State University.

Jacques Carter (2023-24) – Carter was a 2-year starter.  In 2023 he caught 41 passes from quarterbacks Da’One Owens and Jalen Slaughter for 796 yards and seven touchdowns on a team that finished 16-0 and captured the Division II state title.  A deep ball threat, he caught three passes for 144 yards and two TDs vs. GlenOak, eight passes for 142 yards and 1 TD vs. Middletown, DE, and five passes for 130 yards and 2 scores against Warren Harding.  He was also named Honorable Mention All-Ohio.  During his senior year his team finished 11-3, while advancing to the regional finals game.  His high marks came against Canisius, NY, with four receptions for 91 yards and against Canal Winchester in the playoffs with three receptions for 97 yards and a score.  Carter posted two records books top tens and currently plays for Southern Illinois University.

Braylyn Toles (2022-24) – The elusive Toles was the leading receiver for each of three Massillon teams that had a combined record of 39-4.  As a sophomore he caught 43 passes from quarterback Jalen Slaughter for 566 yards and five touchdowns, including ten receptions for 125 yards against Akron Hoban in the state semifinal game.  As a junior playing on the 16-0 state championship team he caught 47 passes from quarterbacks Owens and Slaughter for 622 yards and eight TDs.  His high mark was against Grove City Central Crossing the playoffs when he snagged eight passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns.  His senior season started out with a bang when he caught nine passes from Slaughter for 114 yards and a TD against NFL Academy-London.  He also scored the first touchdown against Canton McKinley in a 16-7 victory.  Toles left his name seven times in the records book top tens.

Here are the Top Massillon Running Backs of All…

Here are the Top Massillon Running Backs of All Time

Football on the offensive side of the line has changed drastically throughout its long history, from the Bunch and Single-Wing formations of the early days, to the Full House-T, Wing-T, Power-I, Veer and Wishbone sets of the middle ages, and onto the modern day Spread Offense.  But one aspect has remained constant throughout all that time; i.e., the need to run the ball to be successful.  And that has been ever so true at Massillon, which has been fortunate enough to have had many outstanding running backs come through the program.

Some of the backs showcased their abilities with great averages per carry.  Others were the workhorses of their teams, with high levels of carries that resulted in a lot of yards and touchdowns.  And then there were those that excelled in both categories.  But nearly all have found their way into the current Tiger records book.

This story presents what is perceived to be Massillon’s best running backs of all time, disbursed by decade.  The selections are based on game statistics, post-season awards (All-Ohio and Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame), and football after Massillon (college and pro).  The story does not, however, attempt to rank the players from across the board due to a number of influential factors, including:

• Detailed player statistics were not available until 1959.
• Offensive formations were constantly changing, with each presenting a different style of play and related run/pass ratio.
• The state playoff system was introduced in 1972, resulting in additional games, with the ever-increasing number of participating teams over time.

Therefore, it is left to the reader to decide which player was the best.

 

Here are the Top Massillon Quarterbacks of All Time

Here are the Top Massillon Quarterbacks of All Time

With the success that the Massillon Tigers have achieved on the football field in their long history, it comes as no surprise that a good number of outstanding quarterbacks have come through the program.  This story presents what is believed to be the top few of many good ones.

To be selected for recognition in this story a player must have produced great performance numbers or achieved All-Ohio honors.  Also, he must have led his team to high-level finishes, either in the early sportswriters’ polls or in the more recent post-season playoffs.

Four time periods have been categorized, since it is not considered fair to compare quarterbacks from one era to next.  The first is during use of the “Single Wing” formation, from the early days of football until the late 1940s.  The second is when Coach Chuck Mather brought the Full House-T to Massillon.  That kicked off the “Power Run” formations and covers a time period from 1948 through 1998.  The third is when Coach Rick Shepas introduced the “Spread Offense.”  That period runs from 1999 to present day.  The fourth is reserved for “Dual-Purpose” quarterbacks, regardless of time period.  For, their prowess in running the ball cannot be ignored, in spite of having average passing numbers.

Finally, many of these quarterbacks have been inducted into the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame, while several others who are surely deserving have been overlooked.  Let’s hope that this gets remedied in the future.

SINGLE WING HALFBACKS

 In 1907 a rule was added requiring that all players in the backfield be positioned off the line, meaning that the quarterback could not be directly under center.  It was implemented to eliminate the “bunch” or modern day “tush-push” formation, which led to many severe injuries, and even death.  In response to this change, Glen Pop Warner created the Single-Wing formation, which placed one of the backs, referred to as the “wing,” just outside the edge of the line.  The quarterback was moved from under center to a position immediately behind one of the outside linemen.  Meanwhile, the two halfbacks were aligned using a dual shotgun formation.  In essence, either of these two would receive the snap, with the options of running, passing or handing off.  Looking back, these players could have been considered as the first dual-purpose quarterbacks.

Mike Byelene (1934-36) – During his career Byelene was fortunate enough to be involved in three very successful campaigns, each of which captured state and national championships, while winning 29 of 30 games.  From his halfback position, Byelene recorded 56 touchdowns, 34 in the air and 22 on the ground.  He also played defense and was credited with returning a pass interception 45 yards for a touchdown vs. Canton McKinley in a 21-0 victory.  Following his time at Massillon he suited up for Purdue University.

George Slusser (1937-39) – Slusser picked up where Byelene left off.  During his three years he passed for 19 touchdowns and rushed for another 25.  His undefeated 1938 team won the state championship and the unbeaten 1939 team took home both the state and national championships.  After being awarded 1^st Team All-Ohio, he continued his career at Ohio State University.  Later he was inducted into both the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame and the Massillon Wall of Champions.

Tom James (1940) – James made his mark as the designated passer in Coach Paul Brown’s offense in 1940, following a good season rushing the ball the prior year.  He finished the campaign with 11 passing touchdowns and 13 rushing TDs.  With his team finishing as both state and national champions, James received 1^st Team All-Ohio Honors.  Later, he played for Ohio State University and the Cleveland Browns, with Brown as his head coach at both stops.  James is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame and the Massillon Wall of Champions.

Romeo Pelligrini (1942-43) – During his two years as a starter Pelligrini recorded 14 passing and 11 rushing touchdowns, while winning 19 of 20 games.  The ’43 team finished 10-0 and was named state champion, with Pelligrini being selected Honorable Mention All-Ohio.

POWER RUN GAME QUARTERBACKS

 In the late 1940s, newly-hired head coach Chuck Mather brought the Full House-T formation to Massillon after the aforementioned rule change was lifted, kickstarting thte power run game era.  And that approach remained in effect until the introduction of the Spread Offense in the late 1990s.  Throughout that time, teams traditionally threw the ball around 20% of the time.  So, it was difficult for quarterbacks to put up big passing numbers as compared to the modern spread offenses, which throw the ball around 40% of the time.  Nevertheless, there were some very good quarterbacks at that time.

Rich Crescenze (1953-54) – Crescenze was under center for the 1953 state and national championship team and the 1954 state championship team.  During his two years he passed for 19 touchdowns and was also named team captain.  After Massillon Crescenze played for Kansas University.

 

Joe Sparma (1957-59) – Sparma was a force at quarterback for three years and is credited with 26 touchdown passes overall.  His 1959 team was unbeaten and won both the state and national championships, while passing that year for 660 yards and 14 touchdowns.  Overall, his teams finished with a combined record of 26-2-1.  Then, it was off to Ohio State University for both football and baseball.  Sparma capped it off with a long career in baseball with the Detroit Tigers and Montreal Expos.  Later, he was inducted into the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame and the Massillon Wall of Champions.

Ron Swartz (1962-63) – Swartz was the starting quarterback for two years, including the 1963 season, when the team captured the All-American Conference championship during the league’s first year of operation.  He finished his career with 1,708 passing yards and 19 touchdowns.  Later, he played for Kent State University.  Six times Swartz is named in the Massillon records book Top Tens.

Brent Offenbecher (1977-78) – Offenbecher, who started for two years, holds 12 records book Top-Tens in the Massillon records book.  His 1977 team finished with an 8-2 record, but did upset the No. 1 team in the region, Canton McKinley, 21-0.  The following year, the Tigers trailed the Bulldogs 10-0 after three quarters.  But Offenbecher found the endzone twice in the fourth to engineer a 13-10 victory.  In that game he completed 17 of 20 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns.  For his career, he passed for 2,718 yards and 22 TDs, while scoring 60 points himself.  Later, he played for both Wake Forest and Ohio State.

Dave Eberhart (1980) – Eberhart made the most of his only year as a starter, leading his team to the Division I state finals game.  Along the way he was team captain and also earned 1^st Team All-Ohio honors.  During the regular season Massillon was unbeaten entering the game against McKinley, but dropped a 16-7 decision.  As fate would have it, the two teams were matched against each other in the playoffs the following week.  This time it went the Tigers’ way in a 14-6 victory, with Eberhart completing a 12-yard TD pass for the clinching points.  He finished his career with 1,536 yards passing and 17 TDs.

Brian Dewitz (1982-83) – Dewitz started for two years and was under center in the state finals game at the end of his first season.  That loss to Cincinnati Moeller spoiled an undefeated campaign.  The following year the Tigers finished 9-1, but failed to qualify for the playoffs.  For his career, the team captain passed for 2,516 yards and found the endzone 25 times.  He also holds the Massillon record for single game yards per completion (33.2), which came in a game against Canton GlenOak.  Later, Dewitz played for Indiana University.

SPREAD OFFENSE QUARTERBACKS

Offenses changed drastically with the introduction of the Spread Offense, which employs multiple split ends and a quarterback aligned in a shotgun position.  Suddenly, teams were throwing the ball around 40% of the time, with quarterbacks putting up some big numbers.  It also didn’t hurt when the OHSAA expanded the playoffs, providing opportunities for teams to play additional games.

Justin Zwick (2000-01) – Zwick transferred to Massillon fresh off a state championship at Orrville.  And he continued right where he left off: throwing the ball all over the field and winning games.  By the time he left, Zwick owned seven different Massillon passing records, including a career average of 229.4 yards passing per game.  He also has 38 records book Top-Tens.  He ended his career with a 20-5 record, 437 completions, 5,736 yards and 63 touchdowns.  He also scored six TDs while rushing the ball.  In 2001 his 12-2 team advanced to the playoff state semifinals game, defeating McKinley twice along way.  Following each of his seasons he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio and he parlayed that into a 4-year career at Ohio State University.  Zwick is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.

Matt Martin (2002) – Rick Shepas referred to Martin as his “coach on the field” and so trusting was he of Martin that he permitted him to call the plays in several games.  During his lone year as a starter Massillon recorded an 11-3 record and advanced in the playoffs to state semifinals game.  But it wasn’t easy getting there.  In an earlier game against Perry, Martin needed to complete 21 of 29 passes for 293 yards, including one that set up the winning field goal as time expired.  Career-wise, he threw for 2,115 yards and 27 touchdowns.  He also owns nine records book Top-Tens.

Bobby Huth (2005-06) – Huth is remembered for 230 yards passing and two TDs, while converting a 3^rd and 30 situation for a first down on the winning drive, enroute to a 21-17 victory over Ohio’s No. 1 Lakewood St. Edward in the state semifinals.  That 2005 team finished with a 13-2 record and as Division I state runner-up, with Huth throwing for 2,107 yards and 21 touchdowns.  The following year he eclipsed the 2,000-yard mark and passed for 21 TDs.  A team captain and 2^nd Team All-Ohioan, he owns 14 records book Top Tens.  Huth is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.

Robert Partridge (2007-09) – Partridge became a starter in the sixth game of his junior year and was thrown right into the fire against Cleveland St. Ignatius.  And he stayed in that position for the rest of the season, and the next.  As a senior, he surpassed 200 yards passing in seven different games, with high marks of 265 yards  (21 of 26, 1 TD) against St. Ignatius and 260 yards (17 of 27, 5 TDs) against Warren Harding.  In the second quarter of that Warren game, Partridge complete 6 of 7 passes for 94 yards and 3 touchdowns, tilting the game in the Tigers’ favor.  He also completed 14 of 18 passes for 167 yards and 4 TDs  in the opener versus Akron Buchtel in a 42-20 victory.  His final career stats are 218 of 426 for 3,129 yards and 26 TDs.  Partridge owns 19 records book Top Tens.

Kyle Kempt (2010-2012) – Kempt started for most of three years and finished with 6,034 yards passing and 62 touchdowns.  In his senior year as a team captain he was named 2nd Team All-Ohio, with the team advancing to the playoff regional finals.  In his two wins over McKinley, he completed 27 of 49 passes for 462 yards and five touchdowns.  Kempt holds two Massillon records: single season completion percentage (66.4%) and single season average yards per game (235.1).  He also has 24 records book Top Tens.  Later, he played for Oregon State and Iowa State.  And he is currently an offensive assistant coach for the NFL Denver Broncos.  Kempt is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.

Aidan Longwell (2017-19) – Longwell was a 3-year starter and compiled a team record of 38-6.  Both his 2018 and 2019 teams produced undefeated regular seasons and finished in the playoffs as state runners-up.  Longwell was named team captain in 2018.  In 2019 he was again team captain, but also earned 1^st Team All-Ohio honors in addition to being named the state’s Co-Offensive Player of the Year.  He recorded four wins over Canton McKinley and tossed the winning TD pass in a 16-15 victory as a sophomore.  Longwell owns 46 records book Top Tens, with five Massillon No. 1s, including career yards (7,707) and career touchdowns (84).  Later, he played baseball for Kent State University.  He currently plays baseball in the Colorado Rockies system.

Jalen Slaughter (2021-22, 24) – Slaughter holds the single season record for quarterback efficiency rating (188.7), which he achieved owing to significant playing time as a backup on the 2023 team that captured the Division II state championship.  As a 3-year starter he passed for 6,475 yards and 66 touchdowns, with a 3-year team record of 34-6.  In 2022 he quarterbacked the team to the playoff state semifinals.  Slaughter owns three wins over McKinley, in which he completed 28 of 41 passes (68%) with three TDs.  He also owns 29 records book Top Tens.

DUAL PURPOSE QUARTERBACKS

Dual-purpose quarterbacks are those that are adept at both passing and running, in essence giving teams another running threat in the backfield.  As a rule, they are not necessarily coached that way, but they are better defined as more gifted athletes.  Massillon is fortunate enough to have had several.

Dave Sheegog (1965) – Sheegog was the hero of the 1964 Massillon-McKinley game.  With his team down 14-0 at the start the fourth quarter, he took over at quarterback and engineered three scoring drives that propelled the team to a 20-14 victory, while also giving the Tigers an undefeated season and state championship.  In fact, he scored the winning TD on a 14-yard scramble with under a minute left in the game.  As a starter the following year, he led his team to a second undefeated season and state championship, passing for 427 yards and scoring a team-high 59 points.  Sheegog is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.

Dennis Franklin (1969-70) – Franklin gained experience as a part-time starter in 1969 and turned that into a state championship the following year.  For his career, he passed for 1,079 yards and 11 touchdowns, while scoring 84 points rushing.  He holds six records book Top Tens and was named in 1970 as 2^nd Team All-Ohio.  After Massillon, Franklin was the starter at quarterback for three years at the University of Michigan.  Per his coach, it would have been four if freshmen had been permitted to play at that time.  Following college, he played briefly for the Detroit Lions. Franklin is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame and the Massillon Wall of Champions.

Lee Hurst (1988-89) – Hurst started for two years, posting a win-loss mark of 17-6.  In 1989 the team finished 10-3 and ended the year in the playoff state semifinals game.  During that season, Hurst completed 226 of 423 passes for 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns.  He also rushed for 243 yards and scored 47 points.  For his performance, the team captain was named Honorable Mention All-Ohio.  Career wise, he passed for 2,845 yards and 22 TDs, while rushing for 471 yards and scoring 101 points.  Hurst holds ten Massillon records book Top Tens.  After high school he played for Kent State University.  As an aside, during his freshman year he kicked a 23-yard field goal in overtime against Canton McKinley for a 10-7 victory.

Mike Danzy (1992-93) – Danzy was perhaps the most underrated quarterback to ever play for the Tigers.  His name doesn’t jump out when talking about the great ones, but he put up some pretty good numbers as a 2-year starter in a 3-year career, owing to some great speed and athletic ability.  Included was 1,897 yards passing with 23 touchdowns, along with 1,181 yards rushing, while scoring 98 points.  In his senior year, the team posted a 10-2 record and advanced in the playoffs to the regional finals.  He owns 5 records book Top Tens.

Willie Spencer, Jr. (1994) – After playing defense as a junior Spencer was moved to the starting quarterback position as a senior.  There, he was simply the man on the field, leading the team in both rushing and passing.  And he was surely the most athletic quarterback to ever wear the orange and black.  But Spencer was also way ahead of his time in operating as a dual-purpose QB, something that wasn’t in vogue collegiately until many years later.  During the season he passed for 941 yards and 5 touchdowns, while also rushing for 775 yards and scoring 108 points.  Included in that was a superb performance against Canton McKinley in the 100^th rivalry game when he accounted for 197 yards of total offense and three touchdowns in a 42-41 overtime victory.  A 1^st Team All-Ohioan, he later played quarterback for the University of Akron.  Spencer is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.

Da’One Owens (2023) – Owens was Massillon’s best example of a dual-purpose quarterback, one having outstanding ability to both pass and the run the ball.  Throughout a championship run, during which the Tigers finished 16-0 and captured the Division II state title, Owens passed for 1,566 yards and 18 touchdowns.  He also ran for 1,302 yards, while scoring 92 points.  Meanwhile, his team played perhaps the toughest schedule that the Tigers had ever faced, which included an opening game against Valdosta, Georgia, the nation’s winningest team.  That’s when Owens saw his first action, as a sub!  Down 14-0 early, he immediately ripped off a 65-yard run to the five yard line and then later tied the score with a 69-yard sprint to the end zone.  Then he capped it in the fourth quarter with a 66-yard TD run for the winning points.  A team captain, Owens was named 1^st Team Al-Ohio following the season.  Later, he played for Slippery Rock.