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It has been about four years since the Massillon Tigers faced any opponent from New York. That foe happened to be the Canisius Crusaders. They herald from Buffalo and it was quite the matchup when these two squared off. The visiting blue and Vegas gold caged the Tigers in an offensive battle winning 49-35. The orange and black defense also allowed 427 yards of total offense.
Fast forward to Friday October 8, 2021, Massillon would have a shot at redemption. Paul Brown Tiger Stadium hosted the game yet again on a cool, on and off rainy evening. The Tigers would have the first crack at it.
The drive began with a bang as star running back Willtrell Hartson sprinted up the gut for 39 yards. It would be nullified by a wild snap that went over the head of quarterback Jalen Slaughter. That would put them back 12 yards. A great punt by Darius McElroy pinned the Crusaders down at their own 5 yard line.
Massillon was able to corral Canisius with the help a botched read option by quarterback Tyler Baker. As the visitors were getting ready to boot it away, another crazy snap flew out of the endzone which gave the home team a safety.
After another mute drive for Nate Moore’s squad would fortunately lead to another fantastic punt. This one was sent to the 2 yard line.
Poor field position, another muffed handoff, and two penalties by offensive lineman Milan Milakovic led to a 4th and long for the Crusaders. Coach Gorman decided to take a risk and go for it. They would fall short of the line to gain and Massillon would take control at the 36.
Handing the ball off to the potent duo of Hartson and Camden Beasley got them down the field and into the endzone. Hartson would be the one to cap off the possession, punching it in from six yards out.
On the next Canisius drive Tyler Baker would put the team on his shoulders. He would keep the drive alive and milk the clock right to the very end of the first half. With 4 seconds remaining, Baker found senior wide receiver Josh Fillion in the back of the endzone for a seven yard strike. It whittled the Tiger lead to three, with a halftime score of 9-6 following a failed two point attempt.
The out of state Crusaders would handle the ball to start the third, but it ended due to a stout defensive effort by Massillon.
Jalen Slaughter and the offense were looking to get back on track and they would do just that on one crazy play.
Number 2 heaved it deep down the middle of the field to Austin Brawley. The throw was a little behind and seemed to be in the clutches of the blue and Vegas gold. It was a jump ball and Brawley was able to rip it away for a spectacular grab and walk to the house for 72 yards.
It sent the crowd into a frenzy and the Tigers to a 16-6 advantage.
The Crusaders desperately needed a spark. They nearly got it to trim the gap to at least three but Baker’s pass was almost picked then almost caught for six but, it would eventually hit the turf.
Coach Gorman knew a touchdown was the only option with under two minutes to go in the third. Unfortunately, the fourth down try was no good in the redzone.
Massillon, now in the driver’s seat had a chance to blow this game wide open. With the game teetering, Slaughter made his best and biggest throws of the night. The first one came as he was flushed out of the pocket. Running to his right, the lefty zipped a bullet towards the right side line to Ardell Banks for 31 yards.
A few moments later, he would toss a gorgeous dime over the shoulder of Jaden Welch for a 19 yard touchdown toward the left corner pylon.
Now trailing by 17, Canisius had to move quickly. Baker coughed it up and the Tigers recovered, but it would be called an incomplete pass. A questionable call, considering there was no forward throwing motion.
A poor call would not be enough to keep the Crusaders possession going as Baker would fumble it on the next play. This time it was officially Massillon ball and the end of some possible last chance heroics.
The wet conditions played a huge role tonight as it was a massive detriment for the visitors. They fumbled four times, lost one and gifted two points off the snap going out of the endzone. It also hampered Massillon a bit as well with a few crazy snaps.
The rain might have contributed to the low total yardage compared to the last meeting for Canisius. But, Massillon’s defense got crucial stops when they needed them most. The Crusaders could only muster a little over half of their previous total with 241 yards of offense, adjacent to the 427 they had in the first meeting.
It is also worth noting that they are averaging 48 points per game.
That will on defense for the Tigers masked the fact that they got off to another slow start. They are averaging around two points in the first quarter this season and they hit that mark again with the safety. However, the offense got rolling and found their stride in the second half and it was enough to gradually pull away in the end. Massillon would get even and take the victory, 23-13.
Jalen would finish his day going 8-9 with 160 yards and two touchdowns and an interception. Brawley was a star yet again catching four balls for 109 yards and a TD. Willtrell Hartson added on 13 carries for 90 yards and a TD run. Camden Beasley pitched in 75 yards on the ground with 13 rushes too.
For Canisius, Tyler Baker had a solid showing. He went 23-41 220 yards with a touchdown pass and run. Lamar Thomas, Michael Doctor, and Josh Fillion would all have over 60 yards receiving.
Massillon picks up a huge win and moves to 6-2 with Wooster up next at home. The Crusaders lose their first game of the season and fall to 4-1. They take on Erie, PA.
Player of the Game: Austin Brawley 4 catches 109 yards and a touchdown
