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St. John’s College HS Makes Massillon’s Schedule That Much…

St. John’s College HS Makes Massillon’s Schedule That Much Stronger

The last team added to the 2023 Massillon schedule was St. John’s College, located in the District of Columbia.  This completed an already strong Tiger schedule that includes Valdosta, GA, Lakewood St. Edward, Middletown, DE, Austintown Fitch and Canton McKinley.

"st. john's collegiate"St. John’s, located in Chevy Chase, Washington D.C., was established in 1851 as the second oldest Christian Brothers school in the U.S. and is currently affiliated with the De La Salle Brothers.  It is also the oldest Army Junior ROTC school in the country.  With an enrollment of 1,100, it is a co-educational school with 100% of its students enrolled in college prep.  Tuition is $22,950.  In 2021, St. John’s graduates received $34 million in scholarship money.

In football, St. John’s is a member of the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference, which also includes three other schools: Our Lady of the Good Counsel (Olney, MD), Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.) and DeMatha (Hyattsville, MD).  At the end of the season the league holds its own 4-team playoff.  Incidentally, Massillon played Gonzaga in 1982 and defeated them 23-0.

Last year the Cadets finished with a record of 8-4.  In non-conference play they defeated Massillon opponent Middletown, DE (42-0), while losing to 12-1 Chaminade-Madonna, FL (35-28).  In league play they beat rival Gonzaga as their only win.  However, in the playoffs they upended Good Counsel in the semifinals (14-10) and then topped DeMatha (7-3) to win the league championship.

For many years football was an afterthought with three to five wins per year and an average Calpreps.com national computer rating of 33 (for comparison, Massillon’s rating last year was 53).  However, in 2013 the school took a step upward into the ranks of the elite.  From 2013 to 2015 they averaged eight wins per season and earned a Calpreps ranking of 56.  Then, another step upward began in 2016 and they hold that level today.  Over the past seven years their ranking has averaged 63, which places them closer to the 73 rating of Lakewood St. Edward, Ohio’s Division 1 state champion the last two years.  They have also been ranked first in the D.C. area in eight of the past nine years and ranked in the National Top-50 three times in the last five years.

St. John’s plays mostly local opponents, but will occasionally venture out of their metro area or host a distant team.  In 2017 they decided to test the waters by scheduling California power De La Salle and they were competitive in a 35-31 loss.  Then, in 2018 they defeated 9-4 Hoover, AL (42-14) and 13-1 Christian Brothers, MO (50-49), finishing 9-1.  Life was good, but not so much the following year when they appeared to over-schedule a bit, losing to Philadelphia St. Joseph Prep, PA (34-30), Duncanville, TX (35-14), perennial national champion Mater Dei, CA (53-24) and IMG Academy, FL (35-21), while slipping to 7-5.  So, in 2021 following the Covid year, they scaled it back and achieved an 11-0 mark, their only unbeaten team in the past 20 years.  Included in that was a win over 8-5 Don Bosco, NJ (27-6).

The Cadets return some good skill position talent from last year’s team, including:

  • Quarterback Isaiah French, who completed 76 of 117 passes (65%) for 827 yards (10.9) and 5 touchdowns.
  • Running back Da’Juan Riggs, who carried the ball 118 times for 962 yards (8.2) and scored 15 TDs.
  • Wide receiver Jason Woods, who caught 17 passes for 165 yards (9.7) and a pair of touchdowns.
  • Linebacker Jordan Seaton, a 4-star recruit.

Their offense operates out of the spread with a single running back and multiple wide receiver formations.  But it is run-first.  The quarterback is athletic and will run off of the read-option.  All of the skill position players have great speed.  The line has good size.

The defense aligns in a 3-4, cover-2 with the safeties pulled up to 10 yards off the ball.  On occasion, they will walk a safety up toward the line.  They are very stingy on the short pass and have the speed to go man-to-man on the deep routes.  All of the players are very athletic.

 

 

Bill Edwards Wittenberg Tigers History

Bill Edwards – Wall of Champions

Bill Edwards – Wall of Champions

From player to coach to sports administrator, William M. “Bill” Edwards spent a lifetime in the sports arena, mostly with football.  Along the way he posted some outstanding achievements.  And he also rubbed elbows with some of Massillon’s greats.  Here is his story.

Edwards was born in Massillon on June 21, 1905.  Although he attended school in his formative years, he dropped out following the eighth grade at age 14 to work in the mines in East Greenville in order to help support his family.  However, he did play three years of football for the semi-pro Massillon Maroons, which won the Ohio championship in 1921.  Then, in 1922 he left the mines and decided to return to school, enrolling in Washington High School as a freshman.

High School

It’s unknown if football is what brought him back to school.  It’s also unknown if it was Coach Dave Stewart that drew him back in.  It might be that Paul Brown, his classmate, exerted some influence.  But it also might have been Tink Ulrich.  In any case, he made an immediate impact during his first year and held down a starting linebacker position throughout his time at Massillon.  He was big and he was powerful and a thorn in the side for any opposing runner.  Edwards was also adept at kicking extra points, punting and kicking off.  By his third year he added fullback to the list.  A local newspaper reported that as a ball carrier “he was never brought down by a lone defender.”  He also hated wearing a football helmet, since it bothered his ears.  So, many times he just didn’t.

Bill EdwardsIn 1922 the Tigers finished 10-0, outscoring their opponents, 379-28.  With popular acclaim in vogue at that time, Massillon declared itself state champion.  During the season, Edwards kicked 13 PATs, just missed a drop-kick field goal, and against Warren recovered a fumbled punt snap in the end zone for a touchdown.  He was also instrumental in helping his team to a 24-0 victory over Canton McKinley.  But his big moment came against Cleveland Shaw when he drop-kicked an extra point with 27 seconds remaining in the game to give his team a 7-6 victory and keep the winning streak alive.

Edwards played left tackle on offense, blocking for stellar running back “Dutch” Hill, but he really excelled at linebacker on defense.  “On the line the work of Salberg and Edwards stood out prominently.  This pair of tacklers stopped many a Canton drive.” (Massillon Evening Independent).

In his sophomore year Edwards was named team captain, a first at Massillon for an underclassman.   Having been shifted to center and lining up alongside Carl “Ducky” Schroeder”, the team fashioned an 8-2 record.  Edwards shared kicking duties that year and kicked eight PATs.

In 1924, his junior season, Edwards was again named team captain and played with quarterback Paul Brown.  He was also a teammate of running back Elwood Kammer.  Both of these players would later coach Massillon.  In spite of outscoring their opponents 320-28, the Tigers finished 8-1, with the loss coming to Youngstown South 1-0 via forfeit when Stewart took his team off the field while challenging several referee calls.  During the season Edwards kicked 38 PATs and caught a touchdown pass.  He was also most likely the leading tackler (defensive records weren’t kept).

With his high school career over and the proud owner of a 26-3 team record and three wins over McKinley, Edwards looked forward to the next level.  But he looked back at three outstanding years as a Tiger.  In fact, the all-time Massillon High School football team, which was selected in 1958, noted that Edwards was the “Greatest Tiger of them all.”

He also played some basketball at Massillon, again teaming with his friend, Paul Brown.

Bill Edwards 1925 Massillon Washington Basketball Team. Paul Brown

Bill Edwards is pictured in the front row, third from the left.  Elwood Kammer is to his right and Paul Brown (black shirt) is to his left.  Coach Dave Stewart is in the second row, behind Brown.

By the time his senior year rolled around, Edwards was twenty years old, too old for Ohio high school football.  So, he enrolled in Kiski Prep, located in Pennsylvania, as a scholarship player before returning to Massillon for the second half of the school year.  There he received his diploma, and prepared for the collegiate level.

College

The first stop as a college player was Ohio State and the freshman team in 1927, where he roomed with Paul Brown.  He was also named captain.  But he left after the season for Wittenberg, joining six other former Massillon players, including Ducky Schroeder.

In his first year he kicked an extra point as time expired to help his team to a 7-6 victory over Ohio Wesleyan, which had beaten both Michigan and Syracuse.  The next two years he was named team captain and excelled at center.

Grantland Rice wrote, “Edwards is the best center in the nation, but I can’t name him All-American because of his team’s schedule.” Walter Eckersall did not overlook Edwards playing at a small college and named him to his All-America team.  He was also named to Sam Willaman’s All-American Team.

While at Wittenberg Edwards earned a bachelor’s degree (1931) and then attended a Master’s degree from Columbia University (1956) while coaching.

Coaching

With school behind him, Edwards chose a career path in the coaching world and had a laundry list of stops, including:

  • Bill Edwards WittenbergSpringfield High School (1931) – Assistant coach and history teacher.
  • Fostoria High School (1932-33) – Head coach. Produced an 8-2 record in year two, the school’s best mark in ten years.  His 1932 coaching offer from Fostoria was better than the offer he received from Massillon, which at the time was replacing Elmer McGrew.  With Edwards now out of the picture, the Tigers decided to go with Paul Brown.
  • Western Reserve University (1934) – Assistant coach.
  • Western Reserve University (1935-40) – Head coach, replacing Sam Willaman, who died suddenly. Compiled a 49-6-2 record.  Had three undefeated seasons.  Won five Big Four Conference championships (1935-38, 40).  Defeated Arizona State 26-13 in the 1941 Sun Bowl.  Coached future Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.
  • Detroit Lions (1941-42) – Head coach. Compiled a record of 4-9-1.  Taking over early in the season, moved the team from last place that year to third the next, before enlisting in the Navy prior to season’s end.  Bill Belichick was one of his players.  Bill would later name his son after Edwards, young Bill’s godfather.
  • Saint Mary’s Pre-Flight (1943) – Assistant coach, lieutenant commander, World War II.
  • Cleveland Browns (1947-48) – Assistant coach, tackles. Coached under Paul Brown.  Cleveland won the AAFC championship both years and was undefeated in 1948.  Coached tackle Lou “The Toe” Groza.
  • Vanderbilt (1949-52) – Head coach and athletic director. Compiled a record of 21-19-2.  Introduced the passing game to the passing game to the Southeast Conference.  Was named National Coach of the Week six times.
  • North Carolina (1953-54) – Assistant coach.
  • Wittenberg (1955-68) – Returned to his alma mater as head coach and athletic director. Replaced the single-wing offense with a pro-style passing attack.  Established Wittenberg as an annual contender for the Ohio Athletic Conference title.  Compiled a record of 98-20-4.  All-time Wittenberg winningest coach.  Unbeaten in 1962, 63 and 64.  NCAA College Division Poll Champion by the Washington Touchdown Club (1962 and 1964).  Won or tied for the Ohio Athletic Conference Championship seven times.  Coach of the Year (1963 and 1964).  Coached future Oakland Raiders quarterback Charlie Green in 1962-64.  The Tigers went 15-0-1 during that span.  During his three years, Green passed for 5,575 yards and threw 61 touchdown passes.  In 2002, Green was inducted into the College Hall of Fame.

During his career, Edwards received several coaching honors, including:

  • Ohio College Football Coach of the Year (1957 and 1962).
  • Two times American Football Coaches Associated College Division Coach of the Year (1962–1963).
  • National Association of Collegiate Athletic Directors Hall of Fame (1974).
  • Case Western Reserve Hall of Fame (1979).
  • Ohio High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame (1979).
  • Wittenberg Athletics Hall of Honor (1985).
  • Vanderbilt Hall of Fame (1986).
  • College Football Hall of Fame (1986).
  • Football Writers Association of America award for contributions to the game.
  • Massillon Wall of Champions (1994).
  • Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame (2019).
  • Honorary member of the American Football Coaches Association.

“Wherever I’ve been, from playing for Massillon High School to coaching college squads at Western Reserve, Vanderbilt and Wittenberg, I’ve had some wonderful experiences that I will always remember,” said Edwards.

“If I had it to do over again, I’d still be a football coach,” he said. “You know, I got as much out of coaching the kids as some of them say they got out of playing for me.  It’s a little tough sometimes to admit to yourself that one of your players has more humility than you do, or is a little more honest, but it happens.  If you teach a boy to compete, he will compete for the rest of his life.  Football coaches are educators who teach, among other things, discipline, loyalty, sacrifices for a common good, and cooperation to achieve a worthwhile goal.”

Paul Brown called him, “One of the greatest football players I have ever seen in high school or college.  Later he joined me on the Cleveland Browns and did an outstanding job.  The players admired, respected, and liked him.  He has been my lifelong friend and I cherish my association with him.  He has deserved every honor that has come to him.”  Other top-level head coaches also had great respect for Edwards.

Edwards left the coaching world after the 1968 season with 38 years on his resume, while leaving his mark at nearly every stop along the way.  He was simply a winner and rightly acknowledged throughout his career.  His overall head coaching record was 168-45-8, which included a 1-0 record in bowl games.  At time of retirement, he had the second-best winning percentage among active coaches with at least 100 wins and owned a commendation from President Richard Nixon for his achievements.

After coaching Edwards remained in Wittenberg as athletic director until 1973.  Wittenberg’s football stadium is named Edwards-Maurer Field in honor of both head coaches.  Also, the winner of the Wittenberg–Case Western Reserve football game receives the Bill Edwards Trophy.

Not bad for a former coal miner.

Post-Football

Edwards enjoyed hunting and fishing in retirement and spending time with wife Dorothy and their three children.  He died in Springfield on June 12, 1987, at the age of 81.

Bill Edwards Wall of Champions Plaque

 

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2023 Massillon Football Schedule Released

2023 Massillon Football Schedule Released

Another great schedule awaits Massillon as they prepare face nine teams that last year qualified for the playoffs.  While most Ohio teams continue to shy away from scheduling the Tigers, four out-of-state teams are up to the challenge.  That includes Valdosta, Georgia, which will open the season as part of a 4-game Northeast Ohio classic to be held at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium.  Lakewood St. Edward also returns to the slate.

The Massillon-Valdosta game presents an intriguing matchup of two schools highly recognized for their football prowess and is sure to grab national attention.  There was a time when Massillon had accumulated more football victories than any other team in the country.  At present, they occupy the fourth position.  Meanwhile, Valdosta has enjoyed long-term success and has now replaced the Tigers in the No. 1 spot. Three other games will also be held that weekend at PBTS, involving St. Edward, Akron Hoban and Cleveland Glenville.

Other out-of-state opponents include Elkhart, Indiana (Week 4), Middletown, Delaware (Week 6), which returns from last year’s schedule, and St. John’s Collegiate, D.C. (Week 7).

Lakewood St. Edward travels to Massillon for a fourth consecutive year, this time seeking revenge for last season’s 31-28 loss.  It was their only setback enroute to a repeat of the Division 1 state championship.  The Eagle offense revolves around stellar All-Ohio quarterback Casey Bullock, who is extremely adept at running the read-option offense, especially on the “keep.”

Massillon returns 17 starters plus several oft-used backups from last year’s 12-2 team that finished as champion of Division 2, Region 7.  With several of the returnees occupying key positions, the Tigers are expected to be particularly strong at quarterback, offensive line, defensive line and linebacker.  Coach Moore, Massillon’s winningest coach, will enter his 9th season and currently owns an 83-22 mark, which includes three trips to the state finals.  He also captured the D2 title at Cincinnati LaSalle prior to coming to Massillon.

Here is the full schedule along with some key data:

  1. Valdosta, GA – H
  • League: n.a.
  • Playoff Division: 7A (highest division)
  • 2022 Overall Record: 8-3
  • 2022 Playoff Results: Lost to Westlake, GA, 28-13 in Round 1
  • 2022 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 23 in GA, Rated 49.3
  • 5-Year Record: 33-26 (.559)
  • 5-Year Playoff History: 4 appearances; lost in 6A state semifinals in 2020
  • Last Time vs. Massillon: Did not play
  • Historical Series Massillon vs. Valdosta: 0-0
  • Bonus: Returns defensive lineman Eric Brantley (co-Region 7A-1 Defensive Player of the Year), offensive lineman Demauree Bennet (1st Team All-Region), offensive lineman Jalen Burgess (1st Team All-Region), inside linebacker Aman Tomblin (1st Team All-Region) and outside linebacker Jaylen Bentley*** (1st Team All-Region).  All-time wins leader in the United States, with a record of 944-262-34.  Will play the previous all-time wins leader Massillon, which has a record of 932-290-36.  Featured on an ESPN special named, “Titletown USA.”  Moody Air Force Base is nearby.
  1. Canton GlenOak – H
  • League: Federal League
  • Playoff Division: 1
  • 2022 Overall Record: 4-7
  • 2022 Playoff Results: Lost 40-22 to Canton McKinley in Round 1
  • 2022 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 49 in D1; Rated 20.4
  • 5-Year Record: 9-40 (.184)
  • 5-Year Playoff History: 3 appearances; lost in Round 1 both times
  • Last Time vs. Massillon: Lost 35-7 to Massillon in 2022
  • Historical Series Massillon vs. Canton GlenOak: 14-4
  • Bonus: Has continued to struggle in the win-loss column.  Offense improved when quarterback Adrion Burt (returnee) was moved to wide receiver and replaced by sophomore Cole Anderson.  Returns 7 starters on offense and 7 on defense, including running back Avantae Burt (3rd Team All-Ohio) and offensive lineman Romeo Magueyal (Honorable Mention All-Ohio).
  1. Mansfield Senior – H
  • League: Cardinal Conference
  • Playoff Division: 3
  • 2022 Overall Record: 10-3
  • 2022 Playoff Results: Lost 17-16 to Cleveland Holy Name in Round 3
  • 2022 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 13 in D3; Rated 27.3
  • 5-Year Record: 38-19 (.667)
  • 5-Year Playoff History: 4 appearances; lost 14-7 in overtime to Trotwood Madison in 2019 state finals
  • Last Time vs. Massillon: Lost 33-0 in 2022
  • Historical Series Massillon vs. Mansfield: 44-4-5
  • Bonus: 19-6 record over the past two years, including a 13-2 league record.  Returns 10 starters on offense and 6 on defense, including defensive back Amarr Davis (1st Team All-Ohio) and quarterback Duke Reese (Honorable Mention All-Ohio).
  1. Elkhart, IN – H
  • League: Northern Indiana
  • Playoff Division: 6A (largest)
  • 2022 Overall Record: 7-3
  • 2022 Playoff Results: Lost to Warsaw 14-9 in Round 1
  • 2022 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 70 in IN; Rated 15.0
  • 5-Year Record: 36-18 (.667)
  • 5-Year Playoff History: 5 appearances; 6-5 record; advanced to the playoff regional finals in 2018, 2019 and 2020.
  • Last Time vs. Massillon: did not play
  • Historical Series Massillon vs. Elkhart, IN: 0-0
  • Bonus: Finished 9-1 in 2020.
  1. Lakewood St. Edward – H
  • League: None
  • Playoff Division: 1
  • 2022 Overall Record: 15-1
  • 2022 Playoff Results: Defeated Springfield 28-14 to capture the state championship
  • 2022 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 1 in D1; Rated 72.9
  • 5-Year Record: 58-9 (.866)
  • 5-Year Playoff History: 5 appearances; 20-2 record); state titles in 2018, 2021 and 2022
  • Last Time vs. Massillon: Lost to Massillon 31-28 in 2022
  • Historical Series Massillon vs. St. Edward: 4-4
  • Bonus: 2-time defending Division 1 state champs.  Finished No. 37 nationally in 2022.  Returns 7 starters on offense and 4 on defense, including offensive lineman Ben Roebuck*** (1st Team All-Ohio), quarterback Casey Bullock (3rd Team All-Ohio), wide receiver Kyan Mason (3rd Team All-Ohio), offensive lineman Devontae Armstrong*** (3rd Team All-Ohio), Deonte Armstrong*** (3rd Team All-Ohio) and linebacker Nate Gregory (3rd Team All-Ohio). 
  1. Middletown, DE – H
  • League: Blue Hen
  • Playoff Division: 3 – largest
  • 2022 Overall Record: 7-5
  • 2022 Playoff Results: Lost to Smyrna 48-0 in Round 2
  • 2022 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 3 in DE; Rated 35.3
  • 5-Year Record: 42-12 (.778)
  • 5-Year Playoff History: 5 appearances; 6-4 record; 1 state championship, 2 state runners-up
  • Last Time vs. Massillon: Lost to Massillon 42-24 in 2022
  • Historical Series Massillon vs. Middletown, DE: 1-0
  • Bonus: Returns 9 starters on offense and 5 on defense, including quarterback Austin Troyer (1st Team All-State), who was 20 of 35 for 274 yards and 3 touchdowns against Massillon last year, and defensive lineman Tristen Graham (2nd Team All-State), who recorded 10.0 tackle points against the Tigers.  Last year, beat state champion Smyrna 21-14 in the regular season, but lost to them 48-0 in the playoffs.  Lost to IMG Academy, 58-0.
  1. St. John’s College HS, D.C. – H
  • League: Washington Catholic Athletic Conference
  • Playoff Division: Washington Catholic, Capital Division
  • 2022 Overall Record: 8-4
  • 2022 Playoff Results: Defeated DeMatha 7-3 in Round 2 (championship round)
  • 2022 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 1 in D.C.; Rated 58.3
  • 5-Year Record: 40-10 (.800)
  • 5-Year Playoff History: 4 appearances (no playoffs during 2020, Covid); 5-2 record; 2 division championships
  • Last Time vs. Massillon: did not play
  • Historical Series Massillon vs. St. John’s, D.C.: 0-0
  • Bonus: Returns quarterback Isaiah French (76-117-827, 5 TDs), running back Da’Juan Riggs (118-962, 15 TDs), wide receiver Jason Woods (17-165, 2 TDs) and linebacker Jordan Seaton****.  Finished 11-0 in 2021 and 9-1 in 2018.  3 times in the last 5 years ranked in the calpreps.com National Top-50.  Last year defeated Middletown, DE (42-0) and Chaminade, FL (28-25).  In 2019 defeated Miami Southridge, FL (48-0) and lost to Philadelphia St. Joseph Prep, PA (34-30), Duncanville, TX (14-35), Mater Dei, CA (53-24) and IMG Academy, FL (21-35); in 2018 defeated Hoover, AL (42-14), Miami Central, FL (37-34) and Christian Bros., MO (59-49).
  1. Austintown Fitch – A
  • League: All-American Conference
  • Playoff Division: 2
  • 2022 Overall Record: 10-2
  • 2022 Playoff Results: Lost 21-14 to Akron St. Vincent in Round 2
  • 2022 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 9 in D2; Rated 44.0
  • 5-Year Record: 37-15 (.712)
  • 5-Year Playoff History: 4 appearances; 3-4 record
  • Last Time vs. Massillon: Lost 49-28 to Massillon in 2022
  • Historical Series Massillon vs. Fitch: 20-8
  • Bonus: Returns 7 starters on offense and 7 on defense, including defensive back Davion Pritchard (2nd Team All-Ohio) and quarterback DeShawn Vaughn (3rd Team All-Ohio).
  1. Warren Harding – H
  • League: All-American Conference
  • Playoff Division: 2
  • 2022 Overall Record: 2-8
  • 2022 Playoff Results: Did not qualify
  • 2022 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 34 in D2; Rated 21.1
  • 5-Year Record: 28-25 (.528)
  • 5-Year Playoff History: 4 appearances; lost in regional finals in 2020
  • Last Time vs. Massillon: Lost 41-12 to Massillon in 2022
  • Historical Series Massillon vs. Warren: 59-25-3 (second-longest series)
  • Bonus: Returns 6 starters on offense and 7 on defense, including running back Ryan Powell***.  Game was moved from Week 3.  New contract in effect, with Massillon hosting the first game.
  1. Canton McKinley – A
  • League: Federal League
  • Playoff Division: 1
  • 2022 Overall Record: 6-6
  • 2022 Playoff Results: Lost 19-14 to Mentor in Round 2
  • 2022 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 22 in D1; Rated 36.5
  • 5-Year Record: 37-20 (.649)
  • 5-Year Playoff History: 5 appearances; 6-5 playoff record
  • Last Time Massillon vs. Massillon: Lost 23-13 to Massillon in 2022
  • Historical Series vs. McKinley: 75-53-5; Massillon has won 11 of the last 12
  • Bonus: Returns 4 starters on offense and 3 on defense. Lost first four games last year and rebounded to win six of the last eight, including a 36-26 victory over Lake, to tie for the Federal League championship.  Lost to Mentor in the playoffs in the final minute of the game.

The book on Massillon:

  • League: Independent
  • Playoff Division: 2
  • 2022 Overall Record: 12-2
  • 2022 Playoff Results: Lost 41-20 to Akron Hoban in the state semi-finals
  • 2022 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 3 in D2; Rated 53.4
  • 5-Year Record: 61-9 (.871)
  • 5-Year Playoff History: 5 appearances; advanced to the state finals in 2018, 2019 and 2020; regional champion in 2022
  • Bonus: Returns 8 starters on offense and 9 on defense, including linebacker Dorian Pringle (1st Team All-Ohio), offensive lineman Evan Sirgo (Honorable Mention All-Ohio) and linebacker Cody Fair (Honorable Mention All-Ohio).  Last year, pulled a 31-28 upset over Lakewood St. Edward, the state’s Division 1 state champion.  Defeated Federal League co-champion Lake 24-6 to claim the regional championship. Won 12 consecutive games.

* – 247sports.com rating

2023 Massillon Tiger Football Schedule

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A Look Back at Ohio’s State Poll Titles –…

A Look Back at Ohio’s State Poll Titles – 1947-1971

For as long as competitive athletics has been a part of civilized society, it has always been crucial for avid sports enthusiasts to identify which team commands a position above the rest.  At any level, albeit at the league level, the state level or the national level, inherently there is always a best team.  And this best team must by demand be named.  But whatever process is used to determine that, it must be one that is formalized through an accepted institution and confirmed by those who matter the most, the sports fans.

In Ohio, state championships in football have been either claimed or awarded for well over one hundred years.  They were first recognized through popular claim and later statewide voting polls.  Recently, the procedure has evolved into the present-day post-season playoff system.

Presented here is a look back at the second method, sportswriters polling, which encompassed a timeframe from 1947 through 1971.  The narrative below describes the polling process, the justifications behind the selections of the Number 1 teams and the claims of irregularity.  But most important of all, it examines whether the polling process was a credible method for determining the state champion.

Click here for the story.

News

Signing Day for Massillon Class of 2023

Signing Day for Massillon Class of 2023

February 1, 2023, marks official NCAA signing day, with Massillon Washington High School recognizing thirteen outstanding athletes across four sports and two military services who inked their intents to pursue their careers at the next level.  “This is a really exciting day,” said Athletic Director Nate Moore.  “A day to recognize the achievements of these great athletes.”  Moore remarked that the players certainly excelled at their chosen sports, but there was a lot of work behind the scenes, from the players and their parents and the coaches.  “We’re proud of everyone,” he said.

The group included:

  • Andrai Jones – Sienna Heights University- football
  • Ardell Banks – University of Kentucky – football
  • Chase Duplain – Heidelberg University – baseball
  • Damian Coram – United State Marines
  • De’Aire Pringle – Edinboro University – football
  • Freddie Lenix – Kent State University – football
  • Jewell Shaffer – University of Mount Union – swimming
  • Kendyl Wagner – Seton Hill University – volleyball
  • Matthew McGeorge – Mercyhurst University – baseball
  • Marcus Moore – University of Akron – football
  • Race Miller – United States Air Force
  • Xavier Hamid – Capital University
  • Willtrell Hartson – The Ohio State University – football (absent for the event; already enrolled at OSU)
  • Jaden Welch – Edinboro University – football (post-signing ceremony)

Enjoy the photos.

Front row (left to right): Kendyl Wagner, Jewell Shaffer, Freddie Lenix, De’Aire Pringle, Damian Coram and Matthew McGeorge; back row (left to right): Xavier Hamid, Marcus Moore, Ardell Banks, Chase Duplain, Coach Nate Moore, Andrai Jones and Race Miller.

Football players (left to right): Marcus Moore, Freddie Lenix, Ardell Banks, De’Aire Pringle, Andrai Jones, Coach Nate Moore, Becca Moore.

The Pringle brothers (left to right): Dorian, De’Aire and Daylan.

Baseball players (left to right): Chase Duplain, Xavier Hamid and Matthew McGeorge.

Sienna Heights University

Andrai Jones – Sienna Heights University – football

University of Kentucky

Ardell Banks – University of Kentucky – football

Heidelberg University

Chase Duplain – Heidelberg University – baseball

United States Marines

Damian Coram – United States Marines

Edinboro University

De’Aire Pringle – Edinboro University – football

Kent State University

Freddie Lenix – Kent State University – football

University of Mount Union

Jewell Shaffer – University of Mount Union – swimming

Seton Hill

Kendyl Wagner – Seton Hill – volleyball

Mercyhurst University

Matthew McGeorge – Mercyhurst University – baseball

University of Akron

Marcus Moore – University of Akron – football

United States Air Force

Race Miller (son of former Massillon  player Steve Miller) – United States Air Force

Capital University

Xavier Hamid – Capital University – baseball

Ohio State University

Willtrell Hartson – The Ohio State University – football

Edinboro University

Jaden Welch – Edinboro University – football

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Become An Active Member of the Booster Club

Become An Active Member of the Booster Club

The Massillon Tiger Football Booster Club is the principal public support organization for the Massillon football program.  Its primary purpose is to promote and maintain interest in Massillon Washington High School Football on the highest standard in the state, and to assist the coach and his staff in providing for each individual participating in the football program all the help possible in developing their moral, physical and scholastic ability and to further their loyalty to team and school.

To join the Club, Tiger fans need simply to contribute a minimum fee of $10.00, which can be obtained through this website, by clicking the “Booster Club Membership” page, which can be accessed through the Support Organizations section (main menu).

General membership meetings are held once per week on the Monday following each game and are open to each Booster Club card holder.  The bulk of the meeting is conducted by the head coach, who performs a film review of the previous game and previews the upcoming game.  Often, the coach will have a few of the team co-captains on hand to address the Club.  The Booster Club President also updates the members on the status of any activities as appropriate.

While the visible part of Massillon football occurs on game night, there is a myriad of pursuits that take place behind the scenes, most of which are unknown to the casual fan.   The coaches spend countless hours molding our young men into a competitive team that we can all be proud of.  And the players do their part by focusing on becoming the strongest, fastest, most fundamental student-athletes that they are capable of.  But all of this takes money.  While ticket sales provide significant financial support to the program, it is not enough to make the whole effort work.  And that’s where the Booster Club comes into play.

Throughout the year the Club conducts various fund-raising activities.  The funds are used for:

  • Purchase of football gear
  • Player summer camps
  • Special requests from the coach
  • Miscellaneous Booster Club expenses

While there are hundreds of community residents that are Booster Club card holders, the number of “active” participants is much smaller and very stretched when it comes to supporting each of the activities that are needed to maintain and support such a great football program.  This is where help is needed.  Therefore, each Club member is sincerely requested to assist with just one event.  And if you enjoy the experience, try another.  Eventually, you will cultivate many friends, while being acknowledged for your contributions, which then affords an opportunity to grow within the organization.

Unlike with most high schools, the active membership of the Massillon Booster Club is not comprised solely of player dads.  Rather, it is a group of dedicated men and women that stay with program year-to-year.  They are the ones who have the passion to support the needs of the players and maintain the high standards of Massillon football.

Often, active members are invited to become members of the Junior Board, which is an accolade that signifies their willingness to participate in various Club endeavors when called upon.  Board members also gather throughout the year to receive and discuss updates from committee heads on status and strategy, giving members insight into those “behind the scenes” activities.

Further opportunities could then present to become a Booster Club officer and perhaps president of the Club, all of which carry 1-year terms.  Outgoing presidents then join with several others in a Senior Board, a group of past presidents that is tasked with approving major Club activities and expenditures.

But it all starts with a single activity.  You can contact the Booster Club via email at massillonfbc@gmail.com to get started.

Below is a breakdown of the various activities with which the Booster Club is involved.  All of these need the dedicated leadership and personal support of active Club members.

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Massillon and Valdosta to Face Off in 2023. Finally!!!

Massillon and Valdosta to Face Off in 2023. Finally!!!

It’s an intriguing matchup that’s been years in the making, one that is sure to receive national exposure.  And it’s finally going to happen to open the 2023 football season.  Valdosta, Georgia, the current No. 1 team in the U.S. in  terms of historical wins, will play Massillon, a previous holder of the top spot.

The game will be part of the NE Ohio vs America Showcase, also featuring three other Ohio teams, including Lakewood St. Edward, Akron Hoban and Cleveland Glenville.  Their opponents have yet to be named.  The venue for all games is Massillon’s Paul Brown Tiger Stadium, which seats 16,884.  While Massillon is scheduled play on the Friday, the other games are slated for Saturday as part of a triple-header.

Valdosta

The Wildcats first fielded a team in 1913 and since that time have compiled an overall record of 944-262-44, which is seven wins ahead of the No. 2 team, Louisville Male of Kentucky.  They have won six national championships (between 1962 and 1992) and 24 Georgia state championships, the most recent coming in 2016.   In 2008 Valdosta was named as ESPN’s “Titletown USA.”  Later, Netflix created an 8-part series titled, “Titletown High,” which chronicles the 2020 season.

In 2022 Valdosta finished with a record of 8-3, losing 28-13 to Westlake in the first round of the state playoffs.  Their record over the past five years is 33-26.  Four times in that span they qualified for the playoffs and, as their best performance, advanced to the Division 6A state semifinals in 2020.

The Wildcats return defensive lineman Eric Brantley (co-Region 7A-1 Defensive Player of the Year), offensive lineman Demauree Bennet (1st Team All-Region), offensive lineman Jalen Burgess (1st Team All-Region), inside linebacker Aman Tomblin (1st Team All-Region), and 3-star recruit outside linebacker Jaylen Bentley (1st Team All-Region).

Massillon

Massillon owns an historical record of 932-338-32 and is currently fourth in the national rankings, one win behind Mayfield, Kentucky.  The Tigers began playing football in 1891 and have won 9 national championships and 24 Ohio state championships (the most recent being in 1970).  Twenty-three times they finished the regular season unbeaten.  As the subject of numerous books and films, the most popular entry was the theater production, “Go Tigers,” which covered the 1999 season.

In 2022 Massillon finished with an overall record of 12-2, losing 41-20 the Division 2 state semifinals to Akron Hoban.  The lone regular season loss was to Cincinnati Moeller, which advanced to the Division 1 state semifinals.  A signature win came in Week 5 against Lakewood St. Edward, which went on to capture the Division 1 state championship.  The Tigers’ record over the past five years is 61-9, which includes five appearances in the state playoffs, four regional championships and three state finals appearances.

Massillon returns 8 starters on offense and 9 on defense, including linebacker Dorian Pringle (1st Team All-Ohio), offensive lineman Evan Sirgo (Honorable Mention All-Ohio), linebacker Cody Fair (Honorable Mention All-Ohio), and highly recruited 6’-6” tight end Nolan Davenport.

History

Jim Reichenbach – Wall of Champions

Jim Reichenbach – Wall of Champions

It’s been said that you can take the boy off the farm, but you can’t take the farm out of the boy.  How true that is for Massillon legend Jim Reichenbach, who excelled in football both as a player and as a coach and then, following his coaching retirement, returned to the 125-acre family farm he must have dearly loved.

Reichenbach was born in Massillon on January 15, 1933, and the big farm boy got his first taste of organized football at Lorin Andrews Junior High under coach Roger Price.  That opened the door to varsity football under coach Chuck Mather, where he started at offensive guard for three years running, 1948-50.  And success followed throughout his high school and college years.

JIm Reichenbach Massillon High SchoolHe was a bull of a player as recalled by Jim Schumacher (1948-50).  “Reichenbach and I could work the blocking sled like a team of horses,” he said.  “We hit that thing a lot.  We could drive that baby 15 yards.  We were good because we were a team.” – Massillon Memories, Scott Shook.

In his sophomore year the Tigers finished 9-1 and were declared INS state champions.  The only loss that year was 14-0 to Alliance (9-1), which later in the season lost 46-7 to Canton McKinley (9-1).  But the Tigers defeated the Bulldogs 21-12 a few weeks later, thus earning the title.

The following year Massillon repeated its 9-1 finish and was named AP state champion.  This time the loss was 16-12 to Mansfield (8-1), a squad that was mentored by former Tiger coach Augie Morningstar.  The Tygers finished 8-1 that year but lost 34-27 to unranked Akron South in the season opener.  Following the season the Mansfield community declared itself state champs based on the win over Massillon, but the AP voters seemed to differ.  Reichenbach was named 1st Team All-County.

Reichenbach marked his third year as a starter and added punting and goal line defense to his repertoire of duties.  He was also selected as the team captain.  The Tigers finished 10-0 and captured its third consecutive state championship.  The 1950 team was also considered to be one of Massillon’s best ever.  They averaged 41 points and gave up 4 per game.

Against McKinley, the Tigers rolled up 464 yards of offense in a 33-0 rout.  Reichenbach had fond memories of that game.  “The McKinley week in Massillon is a week that is hard to describe,” he said.  “A lot of schools try to duplicate that with other great rivalries, but I’m not sure any of them really reach the magnitude you find in Massillon/McKinley.” – Massillon Memories, Scott Shook.

At season’s end, Reichenbach was named 1st Team All-County and 1st Team All-Ohio.  That led to his being recruited by Woody Hayes to play for Ohio State.

 College

At OSU, Reichenbach played offensive lineman and defensive middle guard and was a starter for four years, from 1951-54.  His years there went like this:

  • Jim Reichenbach Ohio State1951 – Record of 4-3-2. Lost to Michigan, 7-0.
  • 1952 – Record of 6-3. Defeated Michigan, 27-7.  Reichenbach was named 2nd Team All-American.  Grantland Rice noted that he was one of the Midwest’s top players and worthy of All-American status.
  • 1953 – Record of 6-3. Lost to Michigan, 20-0.
  • 1954 – Record of 10-0 (first undefeated season in the school’s history). Defeated six ranked teams, including Michigan, 21-7, and No. 2 Wisconsin, 31-14.  Defeated Southern Cal in the Rose Bowl, 20-7. Captured the national championship, ahead of No. 2 UCLA.  Reichenbach blocked for team MVP Howard “Hopalong” Cassady, who won the Heisman Trophy the following year.

There was come controversy surrounding OSU’s championship award following the 1954 Rose Bowl.  Unbeaten UCLA had defeated USC 34-0 in the regular season but was barred from the Rose Bowl due to the “no repeat” rule in place at that time.  Although Ohio State’s margin of victory against USC was less, the Rose Bowl was played in a driving rainstorm and OSU did put up 370 yards of offense, while USC’s lone score came via a punt return.

Nevertheless, at the end of the season Reichenbach was named Paramount News 1st Team All-American Guard.  And he is a member of the Varsity “O” Club.

“Jim was a terrific football player, and he also was a terrific guy,” said Dick Brubaker, a co-captain on that 1954 Ohio State team. “He had the right values.  He was understated, he was quiet, and he was smart.  Just a nice guy.  I had nothing but the utmost respect for him.”

Post-Ohio State, Reichenbach earned a master’s degree from Kent State University.  And he also served time in the military as an Air Force captain.

Coaching

Football stayed with Reichenbach following his playing days and his first stop was as an assistant coach under former Massillon head coach Lee Tressel at Baldwin-Wallace.  In 1961 he became head coach of Glenwood and stayed there for nine years, compiling a record of 53-35-2.   The next ten years were as an assistant coach under John Brideweser (1970-79).  Reichenbach returned to the head position in 1980, first at Tuslaw (23-7) and then at Dover (13-8).  Three times his teams finished 9-1, including Glenwood in 1966, Tuslaw in 1982 and Dover in 1987.  He finished with a combined head coaching record of 98-50-2.

Jim Reichenbach“You grow up, and I don’t think I’ll ever change very much from when I was 16 years old playing for Coach Reichenbach,” said Pro Football Hall of Fame offensive lineman Dan Dierdorf, who played at Glenwood for Reichenbach. “I was deathly afraid of him. He looked to me … to be eight feet tall. He was an imposing guy.

“He got me ready to play for Bo Schembechler. (Reichenbach) was such a taskmaster … but he wasn’t stern. He wasn’t mean. When I played for him, I preferred he didn’t know my name.

“As he would win an award, it pleased me that people remembered what a great player and coach he was,” Dierdorf said. “He was fairly young when he quit coaching, and he could’ve kept going.

“In my mind, he will always look the same. It was a long time before I was able to be around him when I stopped being afraid of him. He was a no-nonsense guy and a no-nonsense coach, who taught me early on that’s what football was about. He made it clear very clear early on that if you were looking for a social experience, you better go try out for a different sport.”

In 1964 he was inducted into the Massillon Wall of Champions.  He was also inducted into the Stark County Hall of Fame.

Post

After retiring from coaching, Reichenbach returned to the family farm with his wife, Ruth.  They have two sons, John and Fred.  Jim died on May 11, 2009, at age 76.

News

Mike Hershberger – Wall of Champions

Mike Hershberger – Wall of Champions

Norman Michael Hershberger is the epitome of a Massillon Wall of Champion inductee.  He excelled in varsity sports, parlayed that into a college football scholarship, made a his mark at the professional baseball level and was active in his community.

“I remember how true he was to himself and everyone he met,” said Tom Meldrum, a childhood friend of Hershberger’s who played on many of the same teams when both were young. “He was a man’s man, a guy’s guy and he had a faith that was unshakable. He went to church religiously and he was a big influence in my life.  “He was a great representative for Massillon.”  Jack Morris from SABR.

High School

Hershberger was born in Massillon, Ohio, on October 9, 1939, and like most boys in town he embraced Tiger football.  Although he didn’t play during his junior year of high school in 1955 due to an injury, he made up for it with a stellar senior year, earning 1st Team All-Ohio honors.  He was also a team co-captain.

Mike Hershberger Massillon High SchoolPlaying at 5’-9”, 155 lbs., his primary position was right halfback, where he became the second leading scorer with 54 points, behind Ivory Benjamin, who had 90.  That included seven rushing touchdowns, six PATs and a 79-yard kickoff return for a score against Canton Lincoln.  Two of his rushing touchdowns came against Cincinnati Elder in a 27-12 victory, while he ripped off an 83-yarder against Mansfield.  He was also the punter and part-time kicker.

The team finished 8-2 that year, under the mentorship of new Massillon head coach Lee Tressel, with losses to Mansfield and undefeated Canton McKinley.  Against the Bulldogs, Hershberger rushed 13 times for 68 yards, in spite of playing with a bad knee.

But the athlete also played baseball.  Little information is available on his high school exploits in this area, although we do know he played pitcher and outfielder.  The highlight came during his sophomore season when the team finished second in the state, defeating Cleveland Benedictine 4-1 in the semifinals, but losing to Elder 3-0 in the finals.  The Tigers were coached by Ducky Schroeder.

“The first thing I remember is that he was an excellent outfielder. He was known for his arm. It was known all over the (Canton) Class A league that you didn’t want to run on Mike Hershberger.  He was a clutch hitter, a good contact hitter and he was a tough out.” – Central Catholic Baseball Coach Doug Miller on The Independent (David Harpster, 07/03/2012, ‘Baseball great, Tiger standout Mike Hershberger remembered’).

College

After high school, Hershberger headed to the University of Cincinnati on a football scholarship and was slated to be the starting tailback in his second year.  But instead, he opted to leave Cincinnati in 1961 and signed with the Chicago White Sox organization to play baseball.

Professional

Mike Hershberger Chicago White SoxHershberger first played with the White Sox AAA Club Pacific Coast League’s San Diego Padres where he batted .310.  But it didn’t take long before he was called up by the big club, where he played outfield from 1961-64.  The next two stops were Kansas City and Oakland, covering 1965-69.  His final home was the Milwaukee Brewers in 1970.  But before retiring, he returned to the White Sox for one final year.

His career numbers were as follows:

  • Played at 5’-10, 175
  • Starter in 1962-68
  • Played in 1,150 games, batting .252
  • Had 3,572 at bats
  • Scored 398 runs
  • Recorded 900 hits, including 150 doubles, 22 triples and 26 home runs
  • Knocked in 344 runs
  • Stole 74 bases
  • Was walked 319 times
  • Led the American League in sacrifice flies (7) while with the Athletics
  • Led the American League in outfield assists in both 1965 and 1967
  • His best year was in 1963 with White Sox, when he batted .279 and scored 64 runs

Post-Baseball

After retirement from baseball, Hershberger worked in the sporting goods business.  He also gave back to the community:

  • Joseph’s Orphanage
  • Special Olympics
  • The Massillon Boys Club
  • Coached Massillon American Legion Post 221
  • Challenger Baseball Team of Canton

In 1994 he was named a Wall of Champion Honoree and in 2021 a Massillon Distinguished Citizen.

He died July 1, 2012 and rests in his home town of Massillon.

 

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Andy Alleman – Wall of Champions

Andy Alleman – Wall of Champions

Andy Alleman played just one year for Massillon, but he must have made quite an early impression, for he was named a team captain before the season even began.  And he didn’t disappoint on the field, especially from his middle linebacker position, where he was a dominating force, wreaking havoc against opposing quarterbacks.  He also played a little offense, lining up at blocking fullback.

In 2001 the Tigers finished 12-2, with both losses coming to eventual Division 1 state champion Cleveland St. Ignatius: one in the regular season and the other in the state semifinals.  Led by the 6’-4”, 234 lb. Alleman and his ferocious linebacker play, the Tiger defense held opponents to an average of just 3.2 yards per carry, which is Massillon’s 3rd best all-time against spread offenses.  That translated into a mere 114 yards rushing allowed per game, which is 4th best.  For his play, Alleman was named 2001 WHBC Stark County Player of the Year

After high school, Andy received a scholarship offer from the University of Pittsburgh and played on the defensive line from 2002-2004.  But in 2005 he transferred to the University of Akron, where he completed his final two years of eligibility, as a full-time starter, only this time on the offensive line.  He must have found this position to his liking, for in his second year he was named both Most Valuable Offensive Lineman and Weight Lifter of the Year.  In addition, he was part of the 2005 Zips team that captured the Mid-American Conference East championship and played for the MAC title.  Post-Akron, Andy was invited to participate in both the Hula Bowl and the East-West Shrine Game, and he was also invited to the NFL Combine.  Recently, he was inducted into the University of Akron Hall of Fame.

Andy Allman University of AkronIn 2007, the New Orleans Saints drafted Alleman in the 3rd round as the No. 88 pick overall as an offensive guard.  As such, he became the 4th highest U. Akron grad to be drafted in their long history.  But, as with many NFL players, he was a journeyman and, throughout his 3-year pro career also played for the Miami Dolphins, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Indianapolis Colts.  In all, he saw action in 24 games (15 for Miami and 9 for Kansas City) and started in seven.

After football Alleman returned to U. Akron to complete his bachelor’s degree in Business and Organizational Communication and currently works in sales.

In 2016 Alleman was inducted into the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.  In 2022 he was inducted into the Wall of Champions.