by Canton, OH: For the tenth straight season, the Massillon Tigers (7-3) took down their archrival Canton McKinley (8-2), this time a 21-14 victory. Savior Owens had a big day for the Tigers, rushing for 115 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries. For the Bulldogs, sophomore Kyelin West ran for 113 yards and a score on 18 carries.
First Half
Massillon received the opening kickoff and worked its way into McKinley territory before being forced to punt. Facing third and ten from their own ten, Trent Hayden completed a pass to Deejay Britt, who fumbled, giving the ball back to the Tigers. On the first play, Savior Owens plowed up the middle for a four-yard touchdown, putting Massillon up 7-0.
McKinley made progress on its second drive, working the ball out to midfield. On 2nd & 18, the Bulldogs turned it over again, this time courtesy of an interception by Chayce White. A big completion from Manny Patterson to Jaydce Thigpen moved the ball into McKinley territory. On third and five, Owens got the ball again, this time a 14-yard carry that gave the Tigers a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter.
The Bulldogs covered 82 yards in their next three plays, featuring two carries by Kyelin West, including a 45-yard touchdown scamper to draw McKinley closer at 14-7. After forcing a Tiger punt, the Bulldogs started their next drive near midfield. McKinley attempted a 35-yard field goal that was blocked, but a personal foul on the Tigers gave the Bulldogs another shot. On fourth and short, Shad Davis took the pitch around the left side for a 10-yard touchdown, tying the game at 14-14.
Both sides would get one more possession, but neither offense was able to breakthrough, keeping it tied 14-14 at the break.
Second Half
After forcing a McKinley punt to open the second half, Massillon looked like they had momentum. Unfortunately for the Tigers, Patterson was picked off by Damere McClellan to end the threat. The Bulldogs were forced to punt and it did not go far, giving Massillon possession at the McKinley 33.
With their backs against the wall, the McKinley defense forced a turnover on downs, highlighted by a big fourth down sack. Massillon drove inside the Bulldogs’ 30, but they came up a yard short on fourth down, giving the ball back to McKinley. After three quarters of play, the score was tied 14-14.
Midway through the fourth, McKinley was forced to punt backed up in their own end. Fielding the ball near the 50, Deontay Malone took the return all the way for a touchdown, giving Massillon a 21-14 lead with five minutes remaining.
The Bulldogs would get one more opportunity to tie the game, but the Tigers forced another interception, this time by Braylon Gamble. After Anthony McMullen Jr. was able to pick up a first down, Patterson took two kneel downs to run out the remainder of the clock. When the final whistle sounded, Massillon came away with a 21-14 victory.
Keys to the Game
It takes all three phases (offense, defense, special teams) to win at this level of competition, and the Tigers’ won all three. Owens’ ability to consistently pick up yards allows Massillon to control the pace of the game. When you add a defense that forces three turnovers and a special teams touchdown, the Tigers are going to be a tough out for any team.
For the Bulldogs, sophomore Kyelin West wrapped up his 1,000+ yard season with another 100-yard performance. If they are able to limit turnovers, McKinley has a chance to make some noise in the Division I Region 1 postseason.
Next Week
McKinley finishes the regular season with an 8-2 record and will have a bye during the first round of the playoffs. The #3 seed in Region 1 will be back in action at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on November 7th.
Massillon wraps up the regular season with a 7-3 record and will also have a first round bye. The Tigers, the #3 seed in Region 7, will return to action on November 7th at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium.
Top Performers
Massillon Washington Tigers
Savior Owens: 21 carries 115 yards 2 TD
Anthony McMullen Jr.: 14 carries 60 yards
Manny Patterson: 6-10 101 yards INT
Canton McKinley Bulldogs
Kyelin West: 18 carries 113 yards TD
Deejay Britt: 3 catches 41 yards
Trent Hayden: 9-20 64 yards 2 INT
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
Massillon 6:44- Savior Owens, 4-yard run (kick good)
2nd Quarter
Massillon 11:16- Savior Owens, 14-yard run (kick good)
McKinley 10:36- Kyelin West, 45-yard run (kick good)
McKinley 3:09- Shad Davis, 10-yard run (kick good)
4th Quarter
Massillon 5:05- Deontay Malone, 50-yard punt return (kick good)
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | FINAL | |
| Massillon | 7 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 21 |
| McKinley | 0 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
