Massillon Falls to Canada’s Football North in One-Sided Loss

Massillon Falls to Canada’s Football North in One-Sided Loss

Statistics

Coaches will tell you that in order to win in the game of football a team must run the ball and stop the run.  And that philosophy goes hand in hand with the need to control the line of scrimmage.  It also helps to win the turnover battle.  But on this pleasant fall evening Massillon was able to do none of the above and fell to the visitors from Mississauga, Ontario, 34-2.

Football North is an all-star team that rosters players from all over Canada, who hope to receive football scholarships from American universities.  They compete against opponents exclusively from within the United States.  As such, they are not your typical Canadian football team.  North is also a bit disadvantaged at the start of the season since, like Rabun Gap, they don’t get their players in camp until just a few weeks prior to the first game.  So, they peak later.  Unfortunately, it appears that the Tigers caught them at peak time, unlike previous opponents, and perhaps underestimated them a bit based on their earlier performances.  It would be surprising if they lost another contest this year.

The star of the game was North’s diminutive running back Josh Martin-Pendkey, who rushed 26 times for 192 yards (7.4 ave), including a long of 54, and scored four touchdowns.  He was fast, strong and elusive and he was everything you wanted in a running back.  On most plays he would take the handoff and head directly for the line.  Once bottled up, he would then quickly change direction to the outside, skirting the end for most of his yards, dragging would-be tacklers along the way.  The rest of the team produced just 54 yards, but Martin-Pendkey’s was enough.

The other star was the North defense, which kept the Tigers pinned back in their own territory for most of the game, while in essence pitching a shutout.  It didn’t help that Massillon gave the ball away seven times, four in conjunction with quarterback sacks, two when runners were stripped of the ball and one on a pass interception.  But credit for all the fumbles goes to the North defensive front, which played in the Tiger backfield for the entire game.  Incidentally, three of fumbles led to short-field touchdowns on second half drives of 2 yards, 3 yards and 36 yards.  Nevertheless, the fumbles didn’t affect the eventual outcome, just the final score.

Massillon picked up two points from a safety early in the game when a punt snap sailed over the head of the punter and out of the end zone.  But it became their only points.  The last time the Tigers failed to score a touchdown in a game was in 2007 in a 27-0 loss to Cleveland St. Ignatius.  The last time they failed to score an offense touchdown was in a 7-6 loss to Austintown Fitch in 2015.  That TD came on a punt return.

As well as North ran the ball, Massillon did finish with good statistics in the passing part of the game, limiting quarterback Jacob Muller to just 3 of 13 for 65 yards, with one interception.  As a result, North was able to convert just 4 of 12 third downs.  That at least kept the score under control until the turnovers became a factor.

The North defense caused problems for the Tigers all night.  They had big, powerful linemen to control the line of scrimmage and blitzed two linebackers on nearly every play, thereby closing down the running plays and putting maximum pressure on the quarterback.  With this scheme they also relied on a speedy secondary to limit the passing yards.  As a result, a frustrated Owens had little success running from either the running back position or from the shotgun and finished with 14 attempts for just 51 yards (3.6 ave.).  Meanwhile, quarterback Manny Patterson was under duress the entire night and was constantly chased out of the pocket.  Give him credit for trying to make something happen with his team behind on the scoreboard, but it was also costly in the long run, resulting in five sacks, four fumbles, 56 lost rushing yards and 1 of 8 on third down conversions.  Field position was also a problem, with Massillon’s twelve possessions beginning on average at their own 25 yard line.

North scored on the third play of its first possession on a 12-yard rush by Martin-Pendkey.  The TD was set up when Mujller connected with Andre Meltzer on a 38-yard pass and Martin-Pendkey followed up with a 10-yard run.  Massillon responded by moving the ball to midfield, but fumbled it away.  Then, after a mishandled snap from scrimmage moved North back 29 yards, the ensuing snap on fourth down sailed over the punter’s head to award Massillon the safety.

The Tigers did have a chance for points on their next possession when they moved to the North 28, but were stopped on downs.

In the second quarter North scored again, capping off a 52-yard drive with a quarterback keeper from the one.  The PAT failed.  The score stayed at 13-2 until late in the third quarter when the fumble scenario began.  First was a 1-yard TD run by Martin, then a 3-yard TD run by Martin, followed by a 1-yard TD run by Martin in the fourth as it seemed that the roof was falling in on the Tigers.  The total offense for the three TDs?  Just 41 yards.

Massillon’s final attempt at a score came on their last possession and ended when a 12-yard pass into the end zone was intercepted by Jorel Sahay.  Patterson finished the game completing 13 of 24 passes for 117 yards.  Isaac Maxheimer, who was moved to outside linebacker for this one, led the team with eleven total tackles, one quarterback sack and two tackles for loss.  Rasmus Hines punted four times and averaged a very fine 42.5 yards per attempt.  Deontay Malone caught three passes and returned a kickoff 61 yards.

Next week Massillon (3-3) is home to Cardinal Ritter (2-2) from Missouri.  Football North (2-3) travels to Mt. Zion Prep (0-5).  The following week they play Lakewood St. Edward.

Ja’Dyn Williams (9), Josh Henderson (19), Christian Culler (3), Eli Moore (8), Gio Jackson Jr. (21)

Eli Moore

Manny Patterson (10)

Deontay Malone (6)

Ja’Dyn Williams (9)

Deontay Malone (6)

Anthony McMullen Jr.

Gio Jackson Jr. (21)

Manny Patterson (10)

Savior Owens (1)

Jadyce Thigpen (44)

Lee Owens Book Signing Event Was a Rousing Success

Lee Owens Book Signing Event Was a Rousing Success

The Massillon Museum served as host for a packed house on Wednesday to hear three former Tiger coaches and a current one reflect back on their experiences as head coaches of the Massillon football program.  The group included Lee Owens, Rick Shepas, Tom Stacy and Nate Moore.  Following the forum each took part in signing a recently released book written by Owens titled, “The Spirit of a Team.”  The contents of the publication are described as “Successful CEOs and Coaches Share Their Strategies for Achieving Excellence,” with a forward written by Jim Tressel, Lt. Governor of Ohio and former Ohio State football head coach.

Emceeing the event was Scott Ryan and Becca Moore, with the support of the museum staff, including football curator Logan Carr and museum director Alexandra Nicholis Coon.

Lee Owens was the head coach of Massillon from 1988 through 1991.  He was hired at a time when the Tigers were struggling to consistently field a competitive team.  In fact, Massillon had lost four consecutive games to Canton McKinley and had a year left on a 3-year ban from post-season play.  Owens quickly righted the ship and went on to compile a win-loss record of 35 wins and 13 losses over his four seasons.  His teams also qualified for the playoffs three times and captured two regional championships.  In addition, he won three of four games against the Bulldogs, including a 42-13 beat down during the 1991 season.  Owens then left Massillon for a 3-year stint as an assistant coach for Ohio State, which was followed by six years as head coach at the University of Akron, where his 2000 team finished first in the MAC East.  He finished his career as a very successful mentor for Ashland University, retiring with a 137-61 record, four league championships and six NCAA Division II playoff qualifications over a 19-year span from 2004 to 2022.  Four times he was named Conference Coach of the Year.  While an active member of the American Football Coaches Association, he has also been inducted into both the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame and the Ohio High School Coaches Hall of Fame.  Please welcome back Coach Lee Owens.

Rick Shepas was the head coach of Massillon from 1998 through 2004, where he compiled a record of 53 wins and 27 losses.  He was not shy in scheduling the top parochial schools from around the state and played them fairly evenly.  But his record against peer public schools was a fine 49 wins against just 13 losses, including 5-3 mark versus McKinley.  His 1999 team was undefeated during the regular season and his 2001 and 2002 teams captured playoff regional championships.  Following Massillon, Rick was the head coach for twelve years at Division III Waynesburg University, where he had a record of 69-55.   Four of his teams qualified for post-season play.  His next stop was athletic director for the Youngstown City Schools and he is currently the AD for Warren Harding.  Please welcome back Coach Rick Shepas.

Tom Stacy, who was an assistant coach under Lee Owens at both Massillon and the University of Akron, returned to Tigertown in 2005 as head coach.  He remained in that position for three years, compiling a record of 25 wins and 11 losses.  His best season was his first when his team advanced to the Division I playoff state finals.  The Tigers had a remarkable year, finishing the season with a 9-1 record, defeating Cleveland St. Ignatius for the first time ever, revenging a season-ending loss to Canton McKinley and beating Lakewood St. Edward in the state finals, before dropping a close one in the state finals to Cincinnati St. Xavier.  The 2005 team also set a Massillon record with 13 victories.  He then served three years as head coach at Green High School before re-uniting with Owens at Ashland as an assistant coach, where he remains today in his 16^th year.  Please welcome back Coach Tom Stacy.

Nate Moore is the current head coach of the Massillon Tigers.  This is his 11^th year as a Tiger where he has compiled an overall record of 113 wins and 27 losses, owning more wins there than any previous Massillon coach.  In fact, Moore has elevated the program from state-level to national-level prominence, while regularly scheduling and defeating teams from throughout the country.  Four times his teams finished the season ranked in the Top 100 nationally.  Through ten years he has experienced six playoff regional championships, along with a Division II state championship in 2023.  During that year the Tigers finished with a perfect 16-0 record, a regular season victory over Division I state champion Lakewood St. Edward and a state finals victory over nemesis Akron Hoban.  Following the season Moore was named Ohio Division II Coach of the Year, Maxpreps.com National Coach of the Year and head coach of the Ohio North-South All-Star Game.  Prior to his arrival at Massillon, Moore won a Division II state title at Cincinnati LaSalle High School.  Please welcome Coach Nate Moore.

2025 Booster Club Report – Week 6 – Post-Lakewood…

Football North plays in the East Coast Power Prep League, comprised of teams exclusively in the U.S.  Over the past five years they have a record of 17-24.  Last year they finished with a record of 8-3, including a 45-6 loss to Massillon.

Football North’s schedule to date:

• Bishop McDevitt, PA (3-1): 27-7 W
• Walsh Jesuit (5-0): 6-30 L
• Detroit Central Catholic, MI (4-0): 28-41 L
• The St. James Academy, VA (2-0): 42-76 L

“They are a pretty good football team,” said Moore.  “Best in  Canada. They play great competition; all American teams.”

It’s starts with their offensive line, which averages 6′-3″, 269 lbs.  Junior quarterback Jacob Muller (6′-1″, 205) is considered to be the best player.  He throws a good ball and wants to stretch the field.  He’s also a good runner.  There is some speed in the wide receiver corps.  They will use 11-personnel formations, with some open sets.

Defensively, they have good size on the line, averaging 6′-2″, 250 lbs.  Junior tackle Graham Harburn-Weldon (6′-2″, 240) is their best in that area.  He is very physical.  The inside linebackers also have good size, hovering in the 200-pound range and they like to blitz.  The defense aligns with an even front, with three linebackers and four defensive backs.  In the secondary, they will use multiple coverages, both man and zone.  Look for cover-0 cover-1, cover-2 and cover-3 formations.

Go Tigers!

Massillon Holds Off No.1 Lakewood St. Edward to Win…

Massillon Holds Off No.1 Lakewood St. Edward to Win 4^th Consecutive Game in the Series

Statistics

If you are in the business of predicting the scores of high school football games then it’s time to open your mouth and insert your foot.  Because you’ve proven once again that your algorithm is flawed without a true “strength of schedule” component in your equation.  For, Massillon entered the contest against Ohio’s No. 1 Lakewood St. Edward as much as a 34-point underdog owing to a couple of losses.  But those losses were in overtime to a very good Cleveland Glenville team and by two scores to nationally ranked Rabun Gap from Georgia.  Only, the Tigers proceeded to take the Eagles apart piece-by-piece in a 21-14 victory.  Who’s the best team in Ohio now?  The Massillon coaches knew how special this squad was going to be.  But obviously the prognisticators are working with flawed tools and can’t see that.

St. Edward scored its two touchdowns via a long run on its play of the game and against a prevent defense at the end.  In between those two scores, Massillon put up 21 straight points and racked up 386 yards of offense to the Eagles’ 141.  The Tigers did it first with a crushing running attack, featuring junior back Savior Owens, who carried the ball 32 times for 162 yards (5.1 ave.) and two TDs.  Then there was junior quarterback Mandwell Patterson, who completed 17 of 25 passes for 157 yards and a score, with most of the work coming in the first half, while helping his team build a 21-7 halftime lead.  He spread his passes around to seven different receivers.  Finally, the youthful defense is now showing maturity and thus executed the game plan well.

And let’s not forget the rocking crowd of thousands at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium that generated a playoff game atmosphere throughout the contest.  Their support of this team is unmatched by any other school in the country.

The victory marks Massillon’s fourth consecutive win over St. Edward covering the past four years.  And in two of those years the Eagles went on to capture the Division I state championship.  And, in all four wins the Tigers were able to successfully run the ball.  In this particular game they often went to a tight formation with Owens in the wildcat position, who aimed for the center of the line.  It was there that Massillon owned a 40-pound per man advantage.  When a pass was called for, Patterson took over and once again demonstrated uncanny accuracy with his arm and sack avoidance with his feet.  As a result, the Tigers were able to convert 7 of 14 third down conversions and 2 of 2 fourth down tries.

On defense, Massillon used just three linemen, with minimal blitzing, while committing the remaining players to rush containment and pass defense.  Ed’s stellar running back Brandon White carried 19 times for 157 yards and a touchdown.  But aside from his 66-yard run on the game’s first play, he was 18 totes for 91 yards (5.1 ave.).  In the passing game, however, quarterback Jonny Evanchick completed just 8 of 18 for 107 yards and one TD, with one interception.  But the telling stat was third down conversions, where the Eagles were successful on just 2 of 9.

St. Edward received the opening kickoff and returned it to the 34.  From there White took a handoff and quickly sped through the left side of the Tiger line.  Once to the sideline he would not be caught.

Massillon responded with a 10-play, 73-yard drive, ending when Owens carried the ball in from the five.  The Tigers quickly had another chance for a score when the Eagles fumbled the ensuing kickoff but were stopped on downs.

In the second quarter, after St. Ed’s was halted at the Massillon 34, the Tigers were on the march again, this time driving 66 yards in six plays.  The score came when Owens broke through the line and raced 45 yards to paydirt, making the score 14-7.

It might have remained that way at halftime when the Eagles dropped a punt at the Tiger eight with 3:55 left.   But the home squad was not one to waste an opportunity.  A second down pass to Gio Jackson Jr. gave Massillon life at their own 21.  Then there was an 18-yard screen pass to Owens that advanced the ball to Eds 48.  Next was a pretty 24-yard strike to Deontay Malone from a rolling right Patterson that put the ball at the Eagle six with 40 seconds left in the half.  The punctuation came when Patterson hit a wide-open tight end Logan Allman in the end zone.  Mateo Herrera completed the scoring with his third PAT kick.

The second half was focused on Massillon milking the clock with their run game and St. Edward trying to find any kind of offense that worked.  Nevertheless, each team had an opportunity.  In the third quarter, the Tigers were at the Eagle 21 with 2nd and 8, but threw an interception in the end zone.  In the fourth, the Eagles advanced to the Massillon 38, but Ja’Dyn Williams (9 tackles, 0.5 TFLs, 1 fumble recovery, 1 interception) stepped in front of the receiver and picked off the pass.  Eds eventually got untracked with two and a half minutes left in the game when they marched 69 yards in six plays.  The score came when Evanchick completed a 43-yard pass to Johah Koopman with 1:30 left to play.  The subsequent onside kick was then dribbled to Massillon’s Jadyce Thigpen,  followed by the Tigers taking a couple of knees to end the game.

With the win and potentially the next five Massillon would likely be in position take first or second place in the computer rankings and receive a bye in the first round.  For the Eagles, they are expected to once again learn from this loss and continue on toward a successful season.

Next week the Tigers (3-2) will host Football North from Ontario (1-3).  St. Edward will host Bishop McNamara from Maryland (2-2).

Eli Moore (8), Tra’Yon Williams (27), James Wallace Jr. (50)

Gio Jackson Jr.  (21), Makhi Boone (3)

Gio Jackson Jr. (21), Brodon  Moore (4)

R’Celle Hill (41)

Savior Owens (1), Marcus Garner Jr.  (60), BP Paulozzi (32), Gavin Dubinsky (34)

Chayce White (35), Ryan Mikovsky (7)

Chayce White (35), Zach Hackleman (8)

William Hymes (34),

Christian Culler (2)

Head Coach Nate Moore with son Eli Moore

Savior Owens (1), Robert Blakely (59), Manny Patterson (10), Marcus Garner Jr. (60), Sabastian Harper (3),

Tra’Yon Williams (27), Sabastian Harper (3), Anthony McMullen  Jr. (24), Ve’vaughn Wiliams (30)

Manny Patterson(10), Tra’Yon Williams (27), Jadyce Thigpen (44), De’vaughn Williams (30)

Samuel Dossous (91), Bennie Anthony (83), Braylon Pachis (38), Travis Shaw (40)

Head Coach Nate Moore with son Eli Moore

De’vaughn Williams (30), Coach J.P. Simon, Manny Patterson (10), R’Celle Hill (35), Tra’Yon Williams (27)

2025 Booster Club Report – Week 5 – Post-Bennett;…

“I’m overall really happy with the way we played, especially being down in players like we were,” said Head Coach Nate Moore.  “We got better.  We’re back on the win track.”

The guest players were co-captains Braylon Gamble, Eli Moore, Ja’Dyn Williams and Savior Owens.  “They’re doing  a tremendous job,” said Moore.  “I’m proud of all of them.”

• Gamble – We’re underdogs, referring to the upcoming game against St. Edward.  But we’re  ready to make a statement.  They run a lot of RPOs.  We need to read our keys.  We’ll be OK.
• Moore – The offense played really well (vs. Bennett).  We’re going to be ready.
• Williams – We played a pretty decent game.  We fixed a lot of mistakes that we had.  We’re headed in the right direction.
• Owens – We plan to run the ball against St. Edward.

Massillon own a 3-game winning streak over St. Edward, having won in each of the last three years, by scores of 31-28, 15-13 and 31-21.  The Tigers also lead the all-time series, 6-4.  The Eagles have a 5-year record of 50-11 and have qualified for the playoffs in each of the past five years, with a record of 23-2.  In fact, as the dominant team in northern Ohio, they have made a habit of playing in the state tournament, with more recent championships in 2014, 2015, 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2023.  Last year they advanced to the state semifinals, but were defeated by eventual champion Olentangy Liberty, 21-7.

The Eagles enter this year’s matchup with the Tigers as the No. 1 team in the Ohio and the No. 55 team in the country (per hsratings.com).  They average 41 points per game and give up 17.  The Tigers, at 2-2, average 35 points per game and give up 23.  Cleveland Glenville is the only common opponent.  The Eagles defeated Glenville last week 28-14, after trailing 14-7 entering the fourth quarter.  Two costly Glenville turnovers on their own side of the field greatly influenced the outcome.  Massillon fell behind 19-7 to Glenville in the first half, but stormed back in the second half to tie the score at 27, only to lose in overtime.

St. Edward’s schedule to date:

• Pickerington North (3-1), 24-0
• Delbarton School, NJ (1-2), 48-28
• Huber Heights Wayne (2-2), 63-27
• Cleveland Glenville (2-2), 28-14

“We have a big one this week,” said Moore.  He said it will be a mental game.  Eds is well-coached and disciplined.  The Tigers won’t be out-hit.  They won’t be out talented.  But they can win with great preparation.  Nevertheless, you can’t beat yourself.

Offensively, the Eagles align mostly in 1-personnel, with some empty sets and some 2-back sets.  All are good players, according to Moore.  As usual, the line has great size, averaging 6′-3″, 291 lbs.  And they have some very good skill players.  Quarterback Jonny Evanchick makes good decisions and is an accurate passer.  He also runs out of a fake jet sweep, similar to the Massillon play.  The best receiver is Zach Hackleman, who lit it up against opponents last year.  He is as good as you will see.  He runs great routes.  The running back is Brando White, who returns for a third year as a starter, although he missed last year’s game against Massillon.  He is an excellent player; best the Tigers have seen this  year.  Similar to Savior Owens.

• Senior offensive lineman Mason Wilhelm (6’-4”, 290), HM All-Ohio, 3-star recruit, North Carolina commit
• Senior quarterback Jonny Evanchick (6′-1″, 175), 38 of 52 (73%) for 564 yards and 9 TDs; 29 carries for 153 yards (5.3) and 1 TD.
• Senior wide receiver Zach Hackleman (6’-1”, 170), 1^st Team All-Ohio, 18 receptions for 259 yards (14.4 ave.) and 6 TDs.
• Senior wide receiver Ryan Mikovsky (6′-1″, 180), 9 receptions for 124 yards (13.8 ave.) and 0 TDs.
• Senior Brandon White (5′-8″, 200), 59 carries for 404 yards (6.9 ave.)and 7 TDs.

The defense normally operates with an odd front, either 3-4 or 3-3, with some even front 4-2 thrown in.  They use a lot of run blitz, which worked effectively against Cleveland Glenville last week.  Coverages are variable, especially on 3rd down.  The line is on the smaller side for a St. Edward team and may be an area to exploit by the Massillon run game.  It averages 6′-1″, 227 lbs.  The inside linebackers are both good players.  The secondary is considered the strength of the team.  Moore particularly cited safety Brayden Thomas ((Michigan State) and safety Brodon Moore.

• Senior defensive end Collin Crocker (6′-1″, 230), 43 tackles, 6.5 TFLs
• Senior linebacker Aiden Peterson (6′-1″, 210), 60 tackles, 6 TFLs
• Senior defensive back Brayden Thomas (6’-0”, 175), HM All-Ohio, 37 tackles, 8 TFLs, 3-star recruit, Michigan State commit
• Senior cornerback Mahki Boone (6′-0″, 170), 3-star recruit, Miami of Ohio
• Senior safety Landon Lehmer (6′-0″, 190), 47 tackles, 3 TFLs
• Senior Brodon Moore (5′-11, 170), 20 tackles, 3.5 TFLs

Based on the Massillon depth chart provided by Moore, the Tigers should be at full strength for this one.

Incidentally, the Tigers’ offensive line averages 6′-2″, 268 lbs. and the defensive line averages 6′-3″, 260 lbs.

Massillon Statistics Leaders

• Manny Patterson (quarterback) – 35 of 49 (71%) for 478 yards (13.7 ave.) and 9 TDs
• Gio Jackson Jr. (wide receiver) – 16 receptions for 218 yards (13.6 ave.) and 5 TDs
• Deontay Malone (wide receiver) – 15 receptions for 207 yards (13.8 ave.) and 4 TDs
• Jadyce Thigpen (wide receiver) – 8 receptions for 107 yards (13.4 ave.) and 2 TDs
• Savior Owens (running back) – 66 carries for 478 yards (7.2 ave.) and 7 TDs
• Anthony McMullen Jr. (running back) – 35 carries for 107 yards (3.1 ave.) and 1 TD
• Ja’Dyn Williams (linebacker) – 50 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 5.5 TFLs
• Braylon Gamble (safety) – 16 tackles, 1.5 TLFs, 3 pass breakups, 1 pass interception, 1 forced fumble
• Christian Culler (linebacker) – 15 tackles, 2 sacks, 4.5 TFLs, 1 forced fumble
• Tra’Yon Williams (safety) – 15 tackles, 0.5 TFLs, 3 pass breakups
• DeVaughn Williams (linebacker) – 15 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 2 TFLs
• Isaac Maxheimer (linebacker) – 2 pass interceptions
• Mateo Herrera (kicker) – 17 for 17 in PATs
• Rasmus Haines (punter) – 10 punts (36.2 ave.), long 54

Massillon Evens the Slate with a Convincing Win over…

Massillon Evens the Slate with a Convincing Win over Bennett

Statistics

For the second time this year Massillon played a game against a team from out of state, this time L.J. Bennett, from Buffalo, New York.  Last week they faced Georgia’s Rabun Gap and there are still three more of these opponents remaining on the schedule.  Following next week’s match against Lakewood St. Edward, the Tigers will face in order, Football North from Ontario, Canada, Cardinal Ritter from Missouri and Cornerstone Christian from Texas.  While the Tigers met their match last week, this time around it was a much easier encounter as they cruised to a 35-0 victory.  In fact, all of the points were scored in the first half and a running clock was in effect for the entire second part of the game.

The big story was that the fans were excited to see how the two backup quarterbacks, Eli Moore and Rasmus Haines, would perform in place of the injured Manny Patterson.  Fortunately, from the get-go they both responded well.  In that first half of action Moore completed all three of his attempts for 23 yards and a touchdown.  And Haines connected on five of seven for 66 yards and a score.

Meanwhile, Massillon’s No. 1 running back Savior Owens saw limited duty while lining up at both his normal position and in the wildcat, carrying the ball just nine times in the half.  But he was still the best player on the field, rushing for 91 yards and scoring two touchdowns.  Backup Anthony McMullen Jr., who had more of dual starting role in this one, had 15 attempts for 43 yards and a TD.  He also ran for a 2-point conversion.

Bennett (also called the Tigers) competes in Buffalo’s city league where they are considered the best of the group and the favorite to win their remaining six games.  They have very good players at the skill positions, along with good sized lines, and they put forth a good effort on every play.  But their fundamentals are just a tad behind a team like Massillon, and this was evident in their inability to finish drives when on offense.  The one bright spot for Bennett was their quarterback, Jacob Dowell.  For the game he ended up completing 10 of 17 passes (3 of 8 in the first half) for 53 yards, while helping a running attack that struggled throughout against the stout Tiger defense.  For the game Bennett rushed 15 times for 27 yards.

For Massillon, Owens was mostly in the wildcat position.  When the situation called for a pass, Owens came out and McMullen plus one of the two quarterbacks was inserted.  But it certainly wasn’t a walkover game.  Bennett forced the Tigers earn everything they got and appeared to be coached very well.  Their alignment was man-to-man on the receivers with one free safety and the corners pulled back at times, up close at other times.  Thus, for most plays they had eight players committed to run.  So, it’s a credit to Owens’ running ability that he was able to do what he did, averaging over ten yards per carry.  Meanwhile, the quarterbacks were limited to short throws throughout, while Haines did manage to complete one long one for a touchdown.  And at times the QBs were unable to locate open receivers.  Nevertheless, it was the consistency of the balanced Tiger offense they eventually won the day.

Massillon scored on each of its first five possessions.  The first was on a 12-play, 67-yard drive that ended when Owens ran the ball into the end zone from the ten.  That’s when special teams problems arose once again.  The snap was low on the PAT attempt and the holder was forced to eat the ball.  Later in the game, Bennett would return a kickoff 50 yards, in spite of the Tigers having four players in position to make the tackle during the early part of the return.

Following a Bennett 3-and-out, Massillon was on the move again, driving 46 yards in 9 plays.  The score came when Moore completed a 5-yard pass to Gio Jackson.  McMullen then ran in the PAT to make the score 14-0.

It was after this score that Bennett’s Jack Eskridge V returned the kickoff 51 yards to the Massillon 22.  But the visitors gave up the ball four players later.  In response, Massillon proceeded to move the ball 83 yards in nine plays to score their third touchdown, a 19-yard run by Owens.  Owens also had runs of 14 and 20 yards during the drive.

After another 3-and-out by Bennett, Braylon Gamble returned a punt 32 yards to the Bennett six.  Two plays later McMullen was in the end zone following a 3-yard run.  The final score came following a Bennett fumble at their own 34.  It took just three plays from there, with Haines dropping a perfect pass to Gio Jackson at the goal line, along the right sideline, with Jackson ahead of the defender by a single step.

The second half was played under a running-clock situation and neither team scored.  Although, Massillon did lose the ball on a fumble near the Bennett goal line on one of their two possessions.  And Gamble returned a pass interception 24 yards for a score, only to have the ball brought back on account of a defensive penalty.  Bennett never did threaten against the backups.

By game’s end the Tiger two quarterbacks had combined to complete 8 of 11 passes for 89 yards and three touchdowns; a very commendable outing.  Owens had a final run in the third quarter of 12 yards and he finished the game with 103 yards.  On defense, Ja’Dyn Williams recorded six total tackles.

Next week Massillon will host Lakewood St. Edward, Ohio’s No. 1 team (No. 53 in the country).  Bennett will be at home against Hutchinson Tech.

Gio Jackson Jr. (21)

Jadyce Thigpen (44)

Jadyce Thigpen (44)

Anthony McMullen Jr. (24), Eli Moore (8), Logan Allman (13), Robert Blakely (59)

Will Hymes (34), Savior Owens (1), James Wallace Jr. (50), Owen Sirgo (53), Kevin Elliott Jr. (74)

Savior Owens (1)

Savior Owens (1)

Ja’Dyn Williams (9)

Eli Moore (8), Anthony McMullen Jr. (24)

Gio Jackson Jr. (21) – TD

Braylon Gamble (5)

Christian Culler (2), Tra’Yon Williams (27), Gio Jackson Jr. (21)