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Twenty-Four Massillon Seniors Will Suit Up for the Last…

Twenty-Four Massillon Seniors Will Suit Up for the Last Time

It’s the end of November and the Tigers are exactly where they want to be.  That is, playing for a state championship.  It was a goal set by the team a year ago, given the high number of starters returning this year.  And it was bolstered by a great senior class, one that fashioned a 12-2 record and a regional championship in 2022, and one that will be greatly missed when their senior season comes to an end.

Pre-season talk centered around a playoff region that was ripe for the picking.  And it played itself out exactly as expected.  What wasn’t necessarily expected, however, was heading into the title game undefeated at 15-0 and setting a Massillon record for total wins in a season.  That’s because there were three formidable teams standing in the way: Valdosta, Lakewood St. Edward and St. John’s.  And, of course, Canton McKinley is waiting at the end.

Valdosta was and still is the winningest team in the country, with Massillon currently in the third position.  The game itself received national media attention with the Tigers playing against a team that was very athletic and having a dynamic offense and an aggressive defense.  But a win for the Tigers would surely set the tone for the season.  After falling behind early 14-0, Massillon regrouped and came away with a 28-17 victory.  The win also instilled confidence in the players that they would be at least competitive against the other two powers.

St. Edward came to Tigertown in Week 5 still stinging from a 31-28 upset loss from the previous season.  Especially, since that was their only loss that year and they rolled by season’s end to a second consecutive Division 1 state championship.  There is no way that Massillon was supposed to win the rematch.  The Eagles were unbeaten and ran an offense that was bolstered by a 300 lb. line, perhaps the largest in the country.  But the Tigers not only won the game, they dominated the statistics, in spite of winning just 15-12.  Nevertheless, it propelled the Massillon program into the national spotlight and locals began to realize just how good this team was.

By the time St. John’s came to town, they weren’t looking as dangerous anymore, given the Tigers’ success up to that point in the season.  Although the Cadets did play a good game, featuring some of the best athletes seen this year, they couldn’t overcome a 21-7 halftime deficit and eventually fell 28-7.  On the ground, St. John’s rushed for 131 yards at 6.9 yards per attempt, the most yards given up by the Massillon defense this year.  But they just couldn’t extend their drives to the end zone, most of which ended with either a punt or a stop on downs.

And, of course, the Tigers handled the Bulldogs easily, winning 35-0.  In the playoffs, they won the first five games without being challenged, with a scoring margin of 42-6.  But now comes the most significant match of the season, against Akron Hoban, for the Division 2 state title.  Without a doubt, this Massillon team couldn’t have gotten this far without having a great senior class.  Below are these players:

 

News

2023 Booster Club Report – Week PO5 – Post-Cincinnati…

2023 Booster Club Report – Week PO5 – Post-Cincinnati Anderson; Preview of the Akron Hoban Game

Massillon (15-0) defeated Cincinnati Anderson (13-2) in the playoff state semifinals, 55-7.  This is first time that the Tigers have won 15 games in a single season.  Massillon next travels to Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton to face Akron Hoban (13-1) for a Thursday, 7:00 pm kickoff in the state finals.  The Knights come in at No. 1 in Region 5, while the Tigers are No. 1 in Division 2, Region 7.  Massillon trails in the series with Hoban, 3-2.

Link to the Anderson Game Story

Link to the Anderson Game Statistics

Review of the Anderson Game

It was win No. 947, which keeps Massillon in the No. 3 position nationally for all-time wins, just one game behind Louisville Make, KY, and five games behind Valdosta, GA.

Massillon defeated Cincinnati Anderson, playing perhaps its best game of the season.  The offense rolled up 393 yards, with 258 on the ground and 136 in the air, while never in position to punt the ball.  In fact, they were able to either convert a first down or score a touchdown 93% of the time.  The defense held Anderson’s 40+ point offense to just seven points, holding the Raptor run game to a mere eight yards.  Anderson did complete 33 of 50 passes, but for less than eight yards per catch.  The special teams also played a great game, returning a kickoff for a touchdown and dropped their own kickoffs in great position right along the sidelines to quell any potential returns.

“What a great victory it was,” said Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore.  “It was the biggest offensive challenge of the year.  To hold a big offense to seven points.  It was great.  We played really well in all three phases of the game.  A shout out to the defense.  The defense played great.  They brought great pressure.  Our scout team gave us a phenominal look.  And they were faster than Anderson.  The offensive line played great.  The backs ran hard.”

Moore also said that the game plan going in was to blitz and let the man-to-man defense handle the screens.  But that didn’t work out so well on Anderson’s first drive.  So the Tigers adjusted by taking off the blitz and assigning one linebacker to the quarterback and another to the screen, while blocking off any short crossing pattern.  Following that adjustment, the game went much better.

Cody Fair

The guest player was inside linebacker Cody Fair.  “Last week it was a pretty tough team to prepare for,” he said.  “But we adjusted well.” Fair also felt that Massillon used their constant physical play to tire out the Anderson players.  He also added that Anderson running an up-tempo offense didn’t help matters (they ran 70 plays).  Regarding the upcoming game against Akron Hoban, Fair believes that the Tigers need to be close to perfect.  But they are excited to get after them this week.

Statistics leaders:

  • Da’One Owens: 8 of 13 passing for 135 yards and 1 touchdown; 5 carries for 75 yards and 1 touchdown
  • Ja’Meir Gamble: 10 carries for 52 yards
  • Peytton Mitchell: 9 carries for 41 yards and 1 touchdown
  • Mylen Lenix: 6 carries for 33 yards and 1 touchdown
  • Jacques Carter: 4 receptions for 46 yards
  • Braylyn Toles: 3 receptions for 58 yards
  • Emy Lewis: 1 reception for 31 yards and 1 touchdown; 91-yard kickoff return for a touchdown
  • Mike Wright:  5.0 tackle points; 2.0 sacks; 2.5 TFLs; 4 carry for 18 yards and 2 touchdowns
  • Shon Robinson: 8.0 tackle points
  • Chase Bond: 5.0 tackle points; 3.0 sacks; 4.0 TFLs; 1 pass interception returned 51 yards for a touchdown

Akron Hoban Scouting Report

Hoban enters the contest with a record of 13-1.  The Knights have outscored their opponents by an average margin of 33-8.  In contrast, Massillon has outscored its opponents by an average margin of 41-8.  The two teams have played one common opponent: Lakewood St. Edward.  The Tigers defeated the Eagles 15-13, outgaining the Eagles in total yards 299-212.  Hoban lost 14-7 and failed to score an offensive touchdown.  It is without a doubt a game matching the two best defenses in Division 2.  Scores to-date:

  • Frederick Douglass, KY (5-4): 45-6 W
  • Erie Cathedral Prep, PA (6-3): 44-12 W
  • Trinity Episcopal School, VA (6-3): 34-6 W
  • Akron East (8-3): 39-0 W
  • Cleveland St. Ignatius (3-9): 35-0 W
  • Walsh Jesuit (12-2): 57-7 W
  • Cleveland Glenville (12-3): 28-16 W
  • St. Francis, NY (4-5): 28-13 W
  • Lakewood St. Edward (14-1): 7-14 L
  • Akron Ellet (39-7) (PO): 39-7 W
  • Barberton (7-5) (PO): 41-7 W
  • Painsville Riverside (10-3) (PO): 21-0 W
  • Walsh Jesuit (12-2) (PO): 30-6 W
  • Avon (14-1) (PO): 17-14 W

The Hoban offense is similar to Massillon’s in that they use many of the same plays:  They line up in the  spread with some empty backfield, some 2-fullback sets, some heavy sets and a few jet sweeps.  They run primarily gap scheme and power with some play-action mixed in.  Moore believes that their offensive line is very good and they have several good running backs.  The quarterback can run, some off of set plays.  But the passing game is a definite weakness with both the quarterback and wide receivers.  Nevertheless, it is a pretty solid group overall.

The strength of the defense is the front-7 which, according to Moore, is really good.  They line up in an even front with stand-up ends.  Two or three linebackers, one of which has an offer to Ohio State.  Another linebacker has an offer to West Virginia.  The secondary is normally in cover-1 with man-to-man on the receivers and occasionally in cover-3.   Often, it will resemble a 4-2 dime look.  Look for a lit of  blitzing.  Moore said that the Hoban defense is really good across the board.

The keys to the game: run the ball and stop the run.

Go Tigers

News

2023: Massillon 55, Cincinnati Anderson 7

Massillon Rolls Over Anderson, Heads to State Finals

Game Statistics

If you watched the movie “Friday Night Lights” you might recall the mantra preached to the Permian players by the head coach: support each other, give it everything you have and play perfect with clear hearts.  It wasn’t a perfect game for nationally ranked Massillon on Friday at a fabulous Historic Crew Stadium, but it close to it as the Tigers literally took a very good Cincinnati Anderson team apart in the Division 2 state semifinals, 55-7.  And the damage was done early, with the game proceeding into a running-clock situation midway into the third quarter.

The offense never punted, although it was stopped three times inside Anderson territory.  The defense as usual was relentless.  Aside from an opening Raptor score, they kept an opponent that was averaging over 40 points per game out of the red zone the remainder of the night.  The front seven also accounted for eight quarterback sacks and thirteen tackles-for-loss.  In addition, Vinny Keller was marvelous on special teams, dropping each of his kickoffs on a dime and connecting on all seven PAT tries.

With the win, Massillon advances to next Thursday’s state final matchup at Canton’s Tom Benson Stadium to face local nemesis Akron Hoban, with which they have some recent history.  The once-beaten Knights, in their semifinal matchup against previously unbeaten Avon, overcame a 14-3 deficit to win 17-14.  The Tigers remain undefeated at 15-0, while Anderson closes the season at 13-2.

Emy Chris Louis Jr. (now wearing No. 8)

The game started out with a bang when quarterback Da’One Owens, following Massillon’s opening game kickoff return, took the snap in an empty backfield and headed through the middle of the line.  Somehow, he emerged on the other side, broke free and then outraced the Anderson secondary 68 yards for a score.  The Raptors immediately responded with a beautiful passing drive for which the Tigers seemed to have no answer.  It ended when quarterback Justice Burnam, 1st Team All-Southwest District, connected with Trace Jallick on a screen pass for a 19-yard touchdown, tying the score at seven apiece.  Not to be outdone, Emy Louis Jr. took the ensuing kickoff and raced 91-yards down the right sidelines for a score.

At that point it looked like it was going to turn into a typical Anderson game: high-scoring with a total lack of defense.  Only, the Tigers regrouped and shut out the Raptors the rest of the way.  It appeared that the Tiger secondary had figured out the wide receiver passing routes and thereafter kept the Raptors from mounting any serious drive.  Anderson, however, did hurt themselves in a couple of ways.  The first was through several dropped passes.  The second was by a coach that was determined to do what he has done throughout the season; i.e., go for it on fourth down, regardless of position on the field.  They failed six times, three of which were in their own territory.  You just can’t do that against top-level competition.  For they will make you pay.  And the Tigers did just that.

Anderson mounted a short drive to the Massillon 44, but Burnam was intercepted by a diving Vito McConnell at the 45.  The Tigers then drove to the Raptor 30, but were stopped on downs, hindered by twenty yards in penalties.  Anderson took over at their own 20 and did pick up a first down, but following a sack by Chase Bond were forced to punt.  From there Massillon engineering a methodical 14-play drive that covered 67 yards and ended when Mike Wright Jr. powered it in from the five, making the score 21-7.

The Raptors subsequently advanced to the Tiger 44 and faced a 4th and 2, but Wright and Maverick Clark combined on fourth down for the stop with a 2-yard loss.  Two plays later Massillon was in the end zone.  This time it was a 31-yard bomb to a wide-open Emy Lewis Jr., set up  by a 23-yard burst by Ja’Meir Gamble.

The Tigers might have taken that 28-7 lead into the locker room, but Anderson elected to go for it on 4th and 4 from their own 31.  Burnham went back to pass and, failing to find an open receiver, was promptly sacked by Bond and Brandon Carman at the 29.  A 19-yard pass to Jacques Carter and 10-yard run by Mylen Lenix, during which he reversed field while running out of several would-be tackles and dove into the end zone.  Suddenly, Massillon was up 35-7 and the game was essentially over at that point.

In the third quarter Wright scored from five yards out, capping a 4-play, 57-yard drive to send the game into running-clock.  During the play the 285 lb. Wright showed that he is truly an accomplished running back.  He took the handoff from Owens and headed up the middle.  But it was clogged so he cut to the outside and cleared the edge of the fray with a tremendous burst of speed, and crossing the goal lie untouched to the delight of the large Massillon crowd.

With the score at 42-7 the varsity yielded the field in favor of the backups.  But it didn’t take long for them to add points.  Following a 39-yard run by quarterback Jalen Slaughter off a fake handoff, the Tigers drove it in with Peytton Mitchell scoring from the one.

Chase Bond

Massillon would have been content at that point to end the onslaught.  Only, Bond tipped a Burnam pass, intercepted it, and then strolled 49 yards for an uncontested touchdown.  It appeared to come to the surprise of even himself, who was surely in unknown territory at the moment he crossed the goal line.  Final score, 55-7.

Several players shared the ball as the Tigers rolled up 262 yards on the ground.  The various ball carriers included Owns (75 yards), Gamble (52 yards), Mitchell (41 yards), Slaughter (39 yards), Lenix (33 yards) and Wright (18 yards), all-in-all accounting for five touchdowns.  Owens was also 8 of 13 passing for 135 yards and a score.  On the receiving end were Carter (4-46), Toles (3-58) and Louis (1-31).

Defensively, Shon Robinson, playing in place of the injured Dorian Pringle, was once again the leading tackler, recording 8.0 tackle points.  Bond had 5.0 tackle points with three sacks and Wright had 5.0 with 2.0 sacks.

Anderson’s Burham completed 33 of 50 passes for 256 yards and one touchdown.  Southwest District Offensive Player of the Year running back Brodey Berg was held to 9 yards on 5 carries.  Joey Emrick recorded 7.5 tackle points and Leo Muehlenkamp had 6.5.  Trace Jalick caught 9 passes for 103 yards and Berg caught 9 for 35.

Editorial

The 2023 Massillon Team is In Small Company When…

The 2023 Massillon Team is In Small Company When Compared to Previous Squads

There is very little argument that this year’s Massillon football teams is one of the better ones seen in the last several years.  They are undefeated and have won fourteen games.  They have beaten some very good teams and are nationally ranked by several rating services. And they are playing in the state semifinals this Friday.  So, how do they stack up against other Tiger teams throughout recent and past history?

Aside from counting championships, the best way to judge a team is through offensive and defensive statistics.  For the running game it is simple: yards per carry.  For passing, a little more complicated: pass efficiency rating, a calculation that involves attempts, completions, yards, touchdowns and interceptions.  Then there are the obvious stats of win/loss record and points scored.  Finally, there is the performance rating; i.e., the percentage of time that a team gains a first down or scores a touchdown after starting with a first down play (percentage of success).

Here the rundown on the 2023 team:

  • Total wins (14) – This is the third time that the Tigers have accomplished this feat, the other two being in 2018 and 2019. And they can eclipse that mark with a win this Friday to become the all-time winningest team.
  • Average points scored (39.7) – This one is best measured using data from the years of the spread offense (1998-present). During those 26 years only four teams have a higher scoring average: 2018 (41.9), 2012 (40.8), 2019 (40.3) and 2002 (39.8).
  • Average points allowed (7.6) – This year’s mark is the best during the era of the spread offense.  The closest to that number was the 2019 team, which allowed 11.8 points per game.  Prior to that, the 1986 team surrendered 7.0, but finished 7-3 and failed to make the playoffs on account of a 2-point loss and a 4-point loss.
  • Rushing offense (6.7 yds/att.) – This is Coach Nate Moore’s best rushing attack in his nine years at the helm. The two most productive runners are quarterback Da’One Owens and running back Ja’Meir Gamble.  Owens, the first Tiger quarterback to rush for over 1,000 yards, has put up 1,145 yards (9.7/att.) and Gamble has rushed for 893 yards (7.0/att.).   Should Gamble go over 1,000, this will be the first time since 1991 that two runners in the same season have accomplished that feat.  That year involved Travis McGuire (1,976) and Falando Ashcraft (1,353) and the team averaged 6.6 yards per attempt.  It is a potent offense when two high-caliber runners are in the backfield at the same time.
  • Rushing defense (1.6 yds/att.) – This is the best run defense in the last nine years (Nate Moore era), ahead of the 2021 team that allowed 2.8 yards per attempt. Recording of detailed statistics began in 1958 and no team since that year has matched that mark.  The 1952 team held opponents to 1.3 yards per attempt, but that number is estimated.
  • Passing offense (167 eff.) – The average efficiency rating over the last nine years is 168, so this mark is right on average. However, Owens has a rating this year of 166, while Jalen Slaughter has a rating of 189.
  • Passing defense (92 eff.) – This is by far the best mark over the past nine years, which demonstrates the improvement the Massillon coaches have made in this area. Opposing teams are completing just 42% of their passes.  The second best was the 2020 team, which had an efficiency rating of 122.  This asset should bode well against Cincinnati Anderson and their high-tempo, passing offense.
  • Offensive performance rating (86%) – The 2018 team had a rating of 85%. Prior to the spread offense, both the 1993 and 1970 teams had ratings of 84%.  The average over the past nine years is 80%.
  • Defensive performance rating (57%) – This is the second best mark during the era of the spread offense, behind the 2002 team, which had a rating of 51%. When a differential of offense rating minus defense rating is considered, the delta of 29% is surpassed by only two teams.  The 1970 team had a differential of 38% and the 1971 team had a differential of 30%.  However, neither played a schedule matching that of this year’s team.

So, one can see that the 2023 team is in small company in nearly every statistical category.  Nevertheless, they still need to prove it on the field.  And that resumes on Friday against Anderson and hopefully continues next week in the state finals.

News

Twelve Massillon Players Receive All-District Honors

Twelve Massillon Players Receive All-District Honors

The Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association (OPSWA) has released its 2023 Northeast Inland District All-Star Team for Division 2.  Twelve Massillon players are included, with special recognition going to Da’One Owens, who was named Co-Offensive Player of the Year, and Dorian Pringle, who repeats as Co-Defensive Player of the Year.  Massillon, the Region 7 champion and the No.11 nationally rated team in USA Today, remains undefeated with a 14-0 record and will participate in the state playoff semifinal game this Friday Against Cincinnati Anderson, the winner of Region 8.

(l-r) Da’One Owens (1st), Dorian Pringle (1st), Chase Bond (1st), Nolan Davenport (1st), Cody Fair (1st) and Mike Wright Jr. (1st)

(l-r) Jacques Carter (2nd), Ja’Meir Gamble (2nd), Tyler Hackenbracht (2nd), Brady Jones (2nd), Adonis Marshall (HM) and Braylyn Toles (HM)

First Team

  • Da’One Owens – Senior quarterback. 3-year starter.  Completed 94 of 158 passes (59%) for 1,414 yards and 17 touchdowns.  Rushed 118 times for a team high 1,145 yards (9.7) and 14 touchdowns.  Only Massillon quarterback to rush for over 1,000 yards.  Leads the team in scoring with 86 points.  Passed for 341 yards and 4 touchdowns against Grove City Central Crossing.  Rushed for 241 yards and scored 2 touchdowns against Valdosta, GA.  Holds several Division 1 offers.
  • Dorian Pringle – Senior linebacker.  2-year starter.  Leads the team with 41 unassisted tackles and has recorded 50.5 tackle points.  Recorded 8.0 sacks for a team high 73 yards and team high 21.5 tackles-for-loss for a team high 114 yards.  Also, carried the ball 50 times for 246 yards (4.9) and 14 touchdowns.  Forced two fumbles, broke up two passes and blocked a kick.  Even holds for extra points.  Holds several Division 1 offers.
  • Chase Bond – Senior defensive lineman.  2-year starter.  Recorded 14.0 tackle points, 4.5 sacks for a loss of 33 yards and 7.0 tackles-for-loss for a loss of 39 yards.  Committed to North Carolina State.
  • Nolan Davenport  Junior offensive tackle.  2-year starter.  Played tight end in 2022.  Used principally as a blocker.  Instrumental in helping his team rush for 249 yards per game (6.7 ave.) and 47 rushing touchdowns, while surrendering just 8 quarterback sacks.  Holds several Division 1 offers.
  • Cody Fair – Senior inside linebacker.  2-year starter.  Leads the team with 51.5 tackle points.  Recorded 4.0 sacks for a loss of 25 yards and 15.0 tackles-for-loss for a loss of 52 yards.  Holds several offers and will play at the next level.
  • Mike Wright Jr. – Junior defensive lineman.  3-year starter.  Recorded 22.5 tackle points, 8.5 sacks for a loss of 68 yards and 13.0 tackles-for-loss for a loss of 87 yards.  Broke up three passes and caused two fumbles.  Sacked the Canton McKinley quarterback three times.  On offense, The 285 lb. running back carried the ball 24 times for 95 yards (4.0 ave.) and 6 touchdowns.

Second Team

  • Jacques Carter – Senior wide receiver.  Caught 35 passes for a team high 738 yards (21.1 ave.) and 7 touchdowns.  Caught 8 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown against Middletown, DE.  Ran 50 yards for a touchdown against Green.
  • Ja’Meir Gamble – Junior running back.  Rushed 128 times for 893 yards (7.0 ave.) and 5 touchdowns.  Rushed for 233 yards against Austintown Fitch.
  • Tyler Hackenbracht – Junior defensive back.  Recorded 25 tackle points, broke up 9 passes and intercepted 3 passes, which were returned for 45 yards.  Returned 8 punts for 97 yards and 7 kickoffs for 179 yards, with a long of 64 yards.
  • Brady Jones – Senior center.  2-year starter.  Instrumental in helping his team rush for 249 yards per game (6.7 ave.) and 47 rushing touchdowns, while surrendering just 8 quarterback sacks.

Honorable Mention

  • Adonis Marshall – Junior defensive back.  Recorded 28.5 tackle points, 2 tackles-for-loss, 11 pass breakups, 3 pass interceptions and a recovered fumble, which he returned for 18 yards.
  • Braylyn Toles – Junior wide receiver.  2-year starter.  Caught a team high 42 passes for 556 yards (13.2 ave.) and 8 touchdowns.  Caught 8 passes for 125 yards and 2 touchdowns against Grove City Central Crossing.

 

 

News

2023 Booster Club Report – Week PO4 – Post-Green…

2023 Booster Club Report – Week PO4 – Post-Green Game; Preview of the Cincinnati Anderson Game

Massillon (14-0) defeated Green (10-4), 31-6.  This week the Tigers travel to Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus to face Cincinnati Anderson (13-1) for a Friday, 7:00 pm kickoff in the playoff state semifinals.  The Tigers are No. 1 in Division 2, Region 7, while the Raptors come in at No. 1 in Region 8.  Massillon and Anderson have never played each other.

Link to the Green Game Story

Link to the Green Game Statistics

Review of the Green Game

It was win No. 946, which keeps Massillon in the No. 3 position nationally for all-time wins.

Chase Bond

Massillon defeated Green (10-4) to capture its 16th regional playoff title in the 52-year history of OHSAA state tournament.  The mark is the second most among all large Ohio schools, with only Cincinnati Moeller having more, with 19.  The Tigers entered the season as a heavy favorite to win the region and they didn’t disappoint, with the players hoisting the award with great enthusiasm following the game.  Massillon scored its final touchdown with just under five minutes remaining in the third quarter, sending the game into a running-clock situation. After that, the backups were inserted on both sides of the ball. Up until that time, however, they had rushed 45 times for 325 yards (7.2 ave).  The first-team defense held the Bulldogs to negative 12 yards on the ground on 12 attempts and 5 of 24 passing for 57 yards.  On special teams Chase Bond blocked a punt and Shon Robinson carried the ball 50 yards on a fake punt.

“A great win it was,” said Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore at the weekly Booster Club Meeting.  “I thought our guys played really well.  We were dominant in all three phases.  All of our backs ran hard.  The defense was lights out.  I’m proud of our guys.”

The guest players were linebacker Dorian Pringle and safety Ryan Page.  “Our defense played very well,” said Pringle.  “You know its good when our JV team gets in the game in a regional finals.”  Page added, “We started out fast and did really good.”  He also briefly addressed the upcoming game against Anderson, saying that the Tigers need to understand their different formations and manage their high-tempo offense.

Statistics leaders:

  • Da’One Owens: 2 of 4 passing for 20 yards; 11 carries for 107 yards and 1 touchdown
  • Ja’Meir Gamble: 16 carries for 97 yards and 1 touchdown
  • Mylen Lenix: 9 carries for 54 yards and 1 touchdown
  • Jacques Carter: 2 receptions for 20 yards’ 1 carry for 50 yards and 1 touchdown
  • Mike Wright:  0.5 TFLs; 1 rushing touchdown
  • Chase Bond, Malachi Card, Deangelo Zimmerman: 1 quarterback sack each

Anderson Scouting Report

Anderson plays in the 10-team Eastern Cincinnati Conference.  The Raptors have a record of 13-1 with an 8-1 mark in conference play.  Their big win of the year came in Week 6 when they defeated Cincinnati Winton Woods (8-4), 20-13.  They have outscored their opponents by an average of 42-17.  Scores to-date:

  • South Oldham, KY (6-4): 44-14 W
  • Loveland (5-6): 48-14 W
  • Lebanon (7-4): 44-14 W
  • Milford (11-1): 35-56 L
  • Cincinnati Walnut Hills (0-10): 51-0 W
  • Cincinnati Winton Woods (8-4): 20-13 W
  • Little Miami (1-9): 46-20 W
  • West Clermont (4-7): 50-5 W
  • Cincinnati Turpin (3-8): 31-7 W
  • Kings (6-6): 41-21 W
  • Cincinnati Turpin (PO) (6-6): 43-7 W
  • Kings (PO) (6-6): 41-3 W
  • Harrison (PO) (9-4): 50-36 W
  • Cincinnati Withrow (PO) (12-2): 49-28 W

Tale of the Tape

The single trait that stand out in regards to the Anderson offense is the high tempo.  They average just 14 seconds between plays.  And in one game this year they ran over a hundred plays.  They will utilize multiple formations, including empty, 10, 11 and 12, with some unbalanced line.  The line is smallish, averaging 6′-1″, 223 lbs..  It utilizes large splits in order to keep rushers as far away from the quarterback as possible.  While the run-pass ratio is around 50/50, they use the pass to generate the big plays, which involves many screens and crossing routes, with occasional deep throws.  So it stands to reason that the best players are the quarterback and wide receivers.

The best offensive players are as follows:

  • Junior quarterback Justice Burnam  6′-0″, 175).  Completed 312 of 436 (72%) passes for 3,921 yards and 40 TDs with 7 interceptions.  Rushed 179 times for 597 yards (3.3 ave.) and 7 TDs.  He is both a throwing and running threat and is good at scrambling while keeping his eyes downfield.  Has a good arm and accuracy.
  • Senior running back/ wide receiver Brodey Berg (6′-2″, 210).  Rushed 255 times for 1,510 yards (5.9 ave.) and 32 TDs; 63 receptions for 89 yards (14.3 ave.) and 10 TDs.  He has good speed and follows blocks well.
  • Junior wide receiver Trace Jallick (6′-2″, 185).  111 receptions for 1,161 yards (10.5 ave.) and 11 TDs.  Best receiver.  Miami, OH, offer.  Runs routes well.
  • Senior wide receiver MIke Smith (5′-10″, 180).  81 receptions for 923 yards (11.4) and 7 TDs.  Very shifty.
  • Junior tight end Caden Piening (6′-5″, 235).  29 receptions for 549 yards (18.9) and 5 TDs.  Kentucky offer.  Tag screen target.  Big frame.
  • Senior wide receiver TJ Nelson (6′-0″, 190).  Most dynamic player.  Bowling Green commit.  Has been injured, but may play.
  • Junior left tackle Cam Mathis (6′-2″, 230).  Best offensive lineman.  Physical player.

The defense aligns in an odd front with cover-2, although the corners appear to play a bit back from the receivers.  They have a couple of good defensive linemen and a couple of good defensive backs.  They do not pressure the quarterback much and will drop eight players into coverage at times.

The best defensive players are as follows:

  • Senior lineman Jack Sammarco (6′-5″, 240).  West Virginia commit.  Also plays wide receiver.
  • Junior lineman Alex Stanyard (6′-5″, 225).
  • Senior cornerback Joey Emerick (6′-0″, 180).  74.0 (52-44) tackle points.  1.0 sacks and 7.5 TFLs.
  • Junior middle linebacker Tommy Husker (5′-10″, 170).  53.5 (34-39) tackle points.  5.5 sacks and 12.0 TFLs.  Best blitzer.
  • Sophomore will linebacker Reid Baker (5′-11″, 170).  47.5 (25-45) tackle points.  4.0 sacks and 12.5 TFLs.
  • Junior sam linebacker Owen Bergman (6′-2″, 190).  45.0 (29-32) tackle points.  1.0 sacks and 4.5 TFLs.
  • Senior safety Patter McHugh (6′-2″, 195).  High motor.  Reads keys well.  Tackles well.  Best cover guy.
  • Safety TJ Nelson, if he plays.

The last time Massillon played a team having both an outstanding record and a high scoring average was in 2021.  Big Walnut came into the playoff game with a 12-0 record, having outscored their opponents by an average of 42-13.  They left on the wrong end of a 38-0 score, while facing a Massillon team that was all business that night.

Notes

Several players have been nominated by the coaches in Region 7 for participation in next summer’s Ohio All-Star Game, including Zach LIebler, Adonis Marshall, Cody Fair, Malachi Card, Evan Sirgo, Sam Snodgrass, Kyler Wiggins and Da’One Owens.  Dan Studer also received a nomination for Assistant Coach of the Year.

The Booster Club is sponsoring a bus to the Anderson game.  A link for tickets is displayed on the front page of this website.

Sideliners and former Tiger players are invited to attend practice on Thanksgiving morning to support the team.  The practice will be held from 9:30 am to 10:45 am in the stadium.  Enter through the player gate.

Coach Moore announced “Black Wednesday” for November 29 from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm.  During that time discarded black Massillon game jerseys will go on sale at the Ticket Office, 50% off.

Go Tigers

 

News

2023: Massillon 31, Green 6

Massillon Wins Regional Championship, Continues to Roll

Game Statistics

Massillon (14-0) defeated Green (10-4) to capture its 16th regional playoff title in the 52-year history of OHSAA state tournament.  The mark is the second most among all large Ohio schools, with only Cincinnati Moeller having more, with 19.  The Tigers entered the season as a heavy favorite to win the region and they didn’t disappoint, with the players hoisting the award with great enthusiasm following the game.  Next up is a state semi-final match against Cincinnati Anderson (13-1), their only loss being 56-35 to Milford (11-1).  The game will be played at Crew Stadium in Columbus.

Small craft advisories were up on Friday night at Hoover Stadium with a strong wind howling out of the north end zone continually throughout the game, wreaking havoc on the passing and kicking games of both teams.  But in the end, the Tigers simply had a bigger boat, plowing their way through the white-capped waves, as opposed to the small-masted dinghy of the Bulldogs, which were quickly left behind, stranded at sea, bucking the strong blow.

Placing the passing game in the drawer, Massillon reverted to a throwback, run-only offense, utilizing two massive fullbacks with just two wide receivers.  The playbook was reduced to quarterback Da’One Owens and running backs Ja’Meir Gamble and Mylen Lenix sharing the load, with an occasional jet sweep tossed in.  In fact, only four passes were thrown the entire night.  The attack was devastating to Green and the Tigers never once punted the ball.

Massillon scored its final touchdown with just under five minutes remaining in the third quarter, sending the game into a running-clock situation.  After that, the backups were inserted on both sides of the ball.  Up until that time, however, they had rushed 45 times for 325 yards (7.2 ave).  That, in spite of Green stacking the line to stop the run by changing from an odd-front to an even-front and using three linebackers.  The Tigers ended up converting 7 of 12 third down conversions and 2 of 2 on fourth down using the “jumbo” package of Lenix and Mike Wright Jr.  Owens left the game with 107 yards rushing.  Gamble had 97 and Lenix added 54.

Malachi Card

Meanwhile, the first-team defense held the Bulldogs to negative 12 yards on the ground on 12 attempts and 5 of 24 passing for 57 yards.  The quarterback was under pressure the entire night, forcing many errant passes, compounding the difficulties posed by the wind.  And he was sacked twice, once by Chase Bond and once by Malachi Card.  Tyler Hackenbracht also picked off a pass off a Zach Liebler deflection.

But again, the Tigers missed some opportunities and took just a 14-0 lead into the locker room.  There was a fumble into the end zone that was recovered by Green.  There was a kickoff that was knocked down by the wind that a Bulldog receiver elected to field on the bounce.  Only it hopped straight into the air.  Several Massillon players had their hands on it, but it eventually was covered by Green.  Then there was the fumble at midfield after forcing a wind-hampered punt by Green.  Even the backups lost a good chance.  After blocking a punt and taking over at the Green 11, they gave the ball back three plays later on a fumbled handoff.

The one thing Massillon wanted most was a fast start.  And they got that by scoring on each of its first two possessions.  After receiving the opening kickoff, the Tigers engineered a 7-play 75-yard march, with Da’One Owens lighting  it up on the first play with a 43-yard run, right through the middle of the Green line.  After a Bulldog punt, Massillon took over at its own  21.  Ten plays later the Tigers were in the end zone.  During the drive, Gamble carried the ball five times for 50 yards, picking up three first downs.  At no time during the two series did the Tigers attempt a pass.

On the third possession Massillon fumbled at midfield and on the fourth try they fumbled into the end zone.

Jacques Carter

Nevertheless, they found themselves in the third quarter and posted 17 points, starting with a 35-yard field goal by Vinny Keller.  Next came a jet sweep by Jacques Carter, who is one of the fastest players on the team.  On second and seven from the 50, Carter took the handoff from Owens, turned the corner near the right sideline and then swiftly sped through several would-be tacklers.  Once clear, there was no stopping him until he reached the end zone.

The final score came on the next series when the Tigers drove 40 yards in six plays, with Gamble toting the pigskin on each play, with the exception of the final 3-yard run, which belonged to Owens.  At that point the starters were through for the night, owning a 31-0 lead.

Green scored in the fourth quarter against the Tiger backups when quarterback Samino Manson found favored receiver Zachary Bagilo wide open far down the middle of the field owing to a missed coverage for a 66-yard score.

Now it is off to Columbus as Massillon, the Number 1 rated team in Ohio, continues its quest for a state title.

Go Tigers.

News

Tigers Vie for Yet Another Regional Championship

Tigers Vie for Yet Another Regional Championship

This Friday Massillon will face Green in the Division 2, Region 7 championship game.  With a win, the Tigers will advance to the state semifinal game to play the winner of Region 8, which involves Cincinnati Anderson and Cincinnati Withrow.  Massillon will also reverse the outcome of the 2021 regional final game, in which they lost to Green, 26-25.

The Ohio high school football playoffs began in 1972 and this is the 52nd year of its long history.  During that time Massillon has captured fifteen regional championships, the second-most in the state among Division 1 and 2 schools.  Cleveland St. Ignatius also has fifteen, while Cincinnati Moeller has the most titles, with eighteen.

During the first six years of the playoffs only one team from each region participated.  Massillon, assigned to Division 1 at the time, qualified for the state tournament twice, in 1972 and 1979.  The Tigers continued to compete in Division 1 through 2012 and won eight regional championships by defeating a bracket opponent, while losing four other times.

In 2012 the divisions were restructured, resulting in Massillon moving down to Division 2.  From then through 2020, the Tigers have taken home the crown in five of six appearances, making their overall record in that game, 13-5.  Massillon has also competed in the regional finals game in each of the last six years, this year marking the seventh straight.

Four times they faced Canton McKinley in a rematch, winning three of four.  In 1980 they won 14-6, in 1994 they lost 27-20, and they won 21-3 in 2005 and 10-7 in 2009.  With two of the wins, 1980 and 2005, they reversed losses that occurred during the regular season.

In 1980, under head coach Mike Currence, Massillon dropped the regular season game to McKinley 16-7, spoiling a potential unbeaten season.  The Bulldogs completely dominated, leading in total yards, 313-96.  This being the year the OHSAA increased the number of regional qualifiers from one to two, Massillon was fortunate enough to grab the second spot, setting up a rematch the following week at Faucett Stadium.  McKinley still led in total yards, but it was the Tigers that owned the scoreboard, taking advantage of a strong defense and three Bulldog turnovers.  Massillon parlayed that win into a trip to the state finals, against Cincinnati Moeller.

With Tom Stacy at the helm in 2005, an undefeated McKinley eleven negated a potential Massillon 10-win season with a 38-8 one-sided performance.  The Bulldogs led 14-0 at the half and then just piled on the points the second half, while holding the Tigers to just 127 total yards.  Three weeks later, following wins over North Canton and Findlay, Massillon would meet McKinley again, at the Akron Rubber Bowl.  This time, it was the other team’s turn to shine.  A 100-yard effort by Brian Gamble and a 10 of 12 passing performance by Bobby Huth, coupled with some stingy defense, made the difference in a 21-3 win.  After a 21-17 upset of Lakewood St. Edward the following week, the Tigers faced Cincinnati St. Xavier for the state title.

The biggest win while in Division 2 came in 2019 under current head coach Nate Moore, when they defeated defending state champion Akron Hoban, 17-14.  All of the points were scored in the first half, with a 31-yard Alex Bauer field goal with seven seconds left making the difference in the score. The Knights mounted a final drive late in the fourth quarter, but they came up short when linebacker Ben Krichbaum sacked the quarterback on a fourth down play with two minutes remaining in the game.  Massillon then ran out the clock to secure the victory.  Current OSU running back Deamonte Trayanum was held to 18 carries for 79 yards and no touchdowns.

Here are the scores for Massillon’s past regional finals games:

  • 1972 – Uncontested
  • 1979 – Uncontested
  • 1980 – Canton McKinley – Won 14-6
  • 1982 – Sandusky – Won 29-7
  • 1989 – Akron Garfield – Won 43-7
  • 1990 – Sandusky – Lost 27-7
  • 1991 – Toledo St. John’s – Won 42-21
  • 1993 – Walsh Jesuit – Lost 30-20
  • 1994 – Canton McKinley – Lost 27-20
  • 2001 – North Canton – Won 27-7
  • 2002 – Pickerington – Won 14-0
  • 2005 – Canton McKinley – Won21-3
  • 2009 – Canton McKinley – Won 10-7
  • 2017 – New Albany – Won 24-6
  • 2018 – Wadsworth – Won 41-17
  • 2019 – Akron Hoban – Won 17-14
  • 2020 – Massillon Perry – Won 43—13
  • 2021 – Green – Lost 26-25
  • 2022 – Uniontown Lake – Won 24-6
History

2023 Booster Club Report – Week PO3 – Post-Uniontown…

2023 Booster Club Report – Week PO3 – Post-Uniontown Lake Game; Preview of the Green Game

Massillon (13-0) defeated Uniontown Lake (9-4), 35-6.  This week the Tigers return to North Canton to face Green (10-3) for a Friday, 7:00 pm kickoff in the playoff regional finals.  The Tigers are No. 1 in Division 2, Region 7, while the Bulldogs come in at No. 3.  Massillon is behind the all-time series, 0-1, with the last game played in the 2021 playoffs when they fell to Green 26-25 in the regional finals.

Link to the Uniontown Lake Game Story

Link to the Uniontown Lake Game Statistics

Review of the Uniontown Lake game

It was win No. 945, which keeps Massillon in the No. 3 position nationally for all-time wins.

Missed opportunities by Massillon in the first half kept Lake in the game.  But in the second half, the Tigers took care of business behind a strong running attack, winning 35-6.  The trio of Da’One Owens, Ja’Meir Gamble and Mylen Lenix simply took  over the game, as they combined for 41 carries for 351 yards, at 8.6 yards per attempt.  The attack overwhelmed the Blue Streaks and they appeared to be gassed throughout the fourth quarter.  Meanwhile, the defense once again turned in a great performance, holding Lake to just 138 yards of total offense, including just 52 yards on the ground.  Federal League Player of the Year Nathan Baker, who was coming off back-to-back 200-yard games, produced just 46 yards in 10 attempts.

“I’m proud of our guys,” said Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore.  “We played a great game against a very physical team.  Defensively, another great performance, especially in the second half.”

The guest players were defensive back Zach Liebler and offensive lineman Sam Snodgrass. “We didn’t come out as hot as we expected,” said Liebler.  “But we played really well together.  It felt really great to get my first interception as a senior.”  Liebler also said the team is taking Green seriously and doesn’t plan to sleep on them.

“We started out really slow,” said Snodgrass.  “But picked it up in the second quarter.  Then we dominated.”

Statistics leaders:

  • Da’One Owens: 10 of 19 passing for 72 yards and 1 touchdown; 17 carries for 164 yards and 1 touchdown
  • Ja’Meir Gamble: 15 carries for 131 yards and 1 touchdown
  • Mylen Lenix: 9 carries for 56 yards and 1 touchdown
  • Braylyn Toles: 7 receptions for 55 yards and 1 touchdown
  • Malachi Cards: 5.0 (4-2) tackle points; 1.5 sacks; 2.5 TFLs
  • Mike Wright: 1.0 sacks; 1.5 TFLs; 1 rushing touchdown
  • Cody Fair: 0.5 sacks; 1.5 TFLs
  • Chase Bond: 1.0 sacks; 1.0 TFLs
  • Zach Liebler: pass interception
  • Tyler Hackenbracht: 37-yard kickoff return

(l-r) Ryan Page, Zach Liebler, Head Coach Nate Moore

Green Scouting Report

Green plays in the Federal League.  The Bulldogs are currently 10-3 with a 5-2 conference record.  Their big win of the year came in Week 10 when they defeated Uniontown Lake, 28-9.  Scores to-date:

  • Dover (6-5): 14-6 W
  • South Range (12-1): 21-7 W
  • Tallmadge (5-5): 41-14 W
  • Massillon Jackson (5-6): 13-20 L
  • Canton McKinley (9-4): 27-28 L
  • Canton GlenOak (7-5): 31-28
  • Louisville (1-9): 42-7 W
  • Massillon Perry (4-7): 14-20 L
  • North Canton (6-6): 41-34 W
  • Uniontown Lake (8-4): 28-0 W
  • Columbus St. Charles (5-6): 44-14 W
  • North Canton (6-6): 31-7 W
  • Canal Winchester (11-2): 10-0 W

“Green is an excellent team,” said Moore.  “Very well coached.  Very physical.  Some good athletes.  Everybody playing now is really good.  And Green is no exception.”

The Green offense is more diverse than two years ago, employing a lot of empty backfield, while also featuring the run game.  The will utlize both short and long passing attacks.

The strength of the offense lies with the wide receiver group.  Two players really stand out for Moore.  Senior Zachary Baglia (6′-1″, 180) is a 2-year returning starter and 1st Team Federal League selection.  As the top target he has caught 70 passes for 917 yards (13.1 ave.) .  He has a good release and good hand.  And he is also a good blocker.  Junior Antonio Martin (6′-0″, 185), the brother of former player Trey Martin, is also a 1st Team Fed selection.  A 2-year starter, he is the No. 2 target and is featured in the bubble screens.  He has seven receiving touchdowns and five rushing TDs, as he is used at times as a running back.

The quarterback is senior Camino Manson (6′-3″, 195), a returning starter  and 2nd Team All-Federal League selection.  He is an accurate passer when not under pressure.  Manson began the year as the starter, but broke his collar bone in Week 5 against Canton McKinley, in that game he completed 5 of 7 passes for 173 yards.  Healed up, he returned to the field in time for the first round of the playoffs.  In an earlier loss to Jackson he completed 36 of 55 passes for 308 yards.  Last week  against Canal Winchester he completed 20 of 28 passes for 320 yards and a touchdown.

When they use a running back it is senior Jorden Beyl (5′-10″, 170).  He is a downhill, vertical runner.  He has also rushed for over 100 yards in three of the past four games.  Against Lake he carried the ball 30 times for 125 yards.

The best lineman are Junior Michael Schaal (6′-1″, 235) and senior Jesse Miller (6′-2″, 260).  Both are All-Federal League honorees.  Schaal is a 2-year returning starter, with high a motor and good feet.  The interior of the line is smallish, weighing between 215 lbs. and 220 lbs.

In the win over Lake, Green led in total yards 313 to 89.  Lake’s Nathan Baker was held to 60 yards on 14 carries.  In the win over Canal Winchester, Green led in total yards, 367 to 121.  However, the Bulldogs managed just 47 yards on the ground in 24 carries, as Winchester played all night in the Green backfield, sacking the quarterback five times.  Winchester struggled to move the ball on Green, rushing 30 times for 82 yards and completing just 5 of 16 passes.

On defense, Green uses an odd front and some even, with occasional bear.  With the odd front, it resembles an odd-stack.  The strength lies with the defensive line. starting with Michael Schaal, who also starts on the offensive line.  He leads the group with 14 sacks and 25 tackles-for-loss.  Two other players to keep an eye on are senior returning starter Nick Schaal (6′-2, 260) and senior returning starter Jesse Miller.  Miller also starts on the offensive line.

The next best group is the defensive backfield.  The best player of that group is Martin, who also starts at wide receiver.  The four linebackers havew average size, ranging from 165 lbs. to 205 lbs.  Two of the players go both ways. In fact, Green will employ six 2-way players.

Go Tigers

 

News

2023: Massillon 35, Uniontown Lake 6

Massillon Overcomes Missed Opportunities to Defeat Uniontown Lake

Game Statistics

Often when a team loses a game, they cite missed opportunities as the culprit.  A dropped pass.  A key penalty.  A missed tackle.  A blown coverage.  On Friday in the Division 1, Region 7 semifinal game against Lake, Massillon had several of them.  But in this case the Tigers proved they are a strong enough team to overcome those misses.  And by game’s end, they were fully in control of the outcome, winning going away, 35-6.  The Tigers will now face Green next Friday in the regional finals with a chance to advance to the state tournament.

But credit also needs to be given to Lake, which played as hard as any opponent Massillon has faced this year, especially on defense.  But they just lacked the offensive firepower.  Nevertheless, they were able to stay in the game for nearly the entire first half.  Only, come the fourth quarter, they were simply out of gas and the Tigers had their way with them, finishing with 421 yards of offense, with 349 on the ground and another 72 in the air.  The Blue Streaks ended with 138 yards, with 52 on the ground and 86 in the air.  Federal League Player of the Year running back Nathan Baker was held to just 46 yards on ten carries.

Tyler Hackenbracht

Massillon received the opening kickoff and it was returned by Tyler Hackenbracht behind some great blocking to the 43 yard line.  On the first play from scrimmage every receiver went deep and they were all comfortably open down the field.  Quarterback Da’One Owens targeted and let it fly.  It was on the money and a sure touchdown.  Only, to the disappointment of all the pass was dropped.  The first of several missed opportunities.  And it set the tone for the remainder of the first half.  Two short runs afterwards and the Tigers were forced to punt.

Lake took over at their own 19 and advanced into Massillon territory, but a 3rd down sack by Malachi Card quelled the effort and forced a punt.  Massillon in turn failed to move the ball and punted back.  On the first play Lake’s Noah Kennedy found Ethan Hunt open down the right sideline with the Tiger defender out of position for a 52-yard touchdown.  The PAT was missed.

Massillon then drove to the Lake 28, only to see a touchdown pass to Kyler Wiggins called back due to a man downfield and a subsequent pass into the end zone to Jacques Carter overthrown by inches.  Two more missed opportunities.

Following yet another punt by Lake the Tigers finally put together a drive, of 73 yards.  Owens carried the ball four times for 40 yards and JaMeir Gamble added three carries for 15 yards.  Finally, Mike Wright Jr. bulled it in from the one on his third attempt.  Vinny Keller’s PAT was true and Massillon had a lead that they would not relinquish for the rest of the night.

Mylen Lenix

The Tigers would get one more chance with minutes left in the half, starting at their own five.  A 24-yard run by Owens kick-started the effort, which was followed by a 26-yard run by Owens and a 22-yard sprint by Gamble.  Then, from the 29-yard line, Owens found Braylyn Toles at the back of the end zone for a touchdown with one second remaining on the clock.  Thus, Massillon took a 14-6 lead into the locker room.

The second half began with punt exchanges until Owens got loose for a 34-yard touchdown run.  The onside kick that followed nearly came up short when Keller’s rolling ball lost energy and took a left turn after nine yards.  But it eventually righted its direction and very slowly turned over at the 50.  Patiently waiting to secure the ball were four Tiger players, with nary a Blue Streak player in sight.  However, the drive stalled (another missed opportunity).

The next possession went much better, when Mylen Lenix carried seven times for 57 yards to complete a 71-yard drive, scoring himself from the eight.  Following a Zach Liebler interception of a long pass, Massillon quickly turned that into another score.  A 46-yard run by Gamble, with 27 yards in penalties tacked on, and a 12-yard Gamble TD run completed an 85-yard drive.  Then, the Tigers recovered the ensuing kickoff and closed out the game.

Owens ended up with 17 carries for 164 yards and a touchdown.  He also completed 10 of 19 passes for 72 yards.  Gamble rushed 15 times for 131 yards and a score.  Lenix added 9 carries for 56 yards and a TD.  Card had 5.0 tackle points, 1.5 sacks and 2.5 tackles-for-loss.  Vito McConnell had 4.0 tackle points and Wright had 1.5 TFL’s and a rushing touchdown.

Go Tigers!