by After scoring the final 35 points a week ago, the Tigers (14-0) stormed out to a 31-0 lead and never looked back, taking down the Bulldogs (10-4) 31-6 to advance to the state semifinals. Massillon’s defense led the way as the Tigers held Green to -19 yards on the ground. QB DaOne Owens ran for 107 yards and a score on 11 carries.
Tigers Strike Quickly
After receiving the opening kickoff, Massillon wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. On the seventh play of the drive, junior RB Mylen Lenix took a third-down handoff 14 yards to put the Tigers up 7-0 early.
After a Green punt, Massillon marched down the field again, and Big Mike Wright took a handoff 10 yards right up the middle for another Tigers touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0.
The following two drives were not as kind to Massillon as the Bulldogs forced back-to-back fumbles, including one recovered in the endzone for a touchback. Starting on their 20-yard line, Green would make one last push before the half. Facing a 4th & 2 deep in Massillon territory, the Bulldogs could not convert, and the Tigers took a 14-0 lead into the half.
Defense, Defense, Defense
After kicking to start the game, Green received the 2nd half kickoff but would not have the ball for long. On the drive’s fourth play, Tyler Hackenbracht picked off QB Samino Manson to set the Tigers up with excellent field position. The Bulldogs defense held, though, and Massillon had to settle for a 35-yard field goal from Vincent Keller to make it 17-0.
Green could not get anything going on the ensuing drive and was forced to punt, setting Massillon up near midfield. On the drive’s second play, junior Jacques Carter took a sweep around the right side 50 yards for another Tigers touchdown, stretching the lead to 24-0.
Massillon would force another punt on the next Green possession, taking over on the Bulldogs 40-yard line. After five consecutive run plays set them up at the 5, DaOne Owens took the ball around the left side for a three-yard touchdown, making it 31-0 Tigers and starting the running clock.
Chase Bond would come up with a big blocked punt on the next Bulldogs’ possession, but the Tigers would turn it over themselves three plays later. With the clock ticking down, Samino Manson found Zachary Baglia behind the defense for a 66-yard touchdown, drawing Green closer at 31-6.
Attempting to run down the clock, Massillon would face a 4th & 5 with about two minutes remaining. The Tigers punter faked a snap over his head, and Shon Robinson kept the ball, racing 42 yards down the field. Four plays later, the clock read zero, and Massillon came away with a 31-6 victory, advancing to the Division II Semifinals.
Keys to the Game
Massillon’s defense has been suffocating all year, and Friday night was no different. The Tigers’ defensive front lived in the backfield all night and limited the Bulldogs’ run game to -19 yards. When Green attempted to pass, QB Samino Mason had very little to no time to find his receivers downfield.
The Tigers’ game plan included a heavy dose of the run game, and the offense delivered, racking up 393 yards on 52 carries. QB DaOne Owens finished with 107 yards and a touchdown, while RB Ja’Meir Gamble added 97 yards on 16 attempts. Massillon also got rushing scores from Mike Wright and Mylen Lenix, who finished with 54 yards.
Next Week
For the second season in a row, the Massillon Tigers are advancing to the state semifinals. Awaiting the Tigers are the Anderson Raptors (13-1) from Cincinnati, who advanced with a 49-28 victory over Cincinnati Withrow. The two teams will face off next Friday night at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus.
Top Performers
Green Bulldogs
Samino Manson: 10-30 174 yards TD INT
Jorden Beyl: 8 carries 1 yard
Antonio Martin: 5 catches 51 yards
Zachary Baglia: 3 catches 99 yards TD
Massillon Washington Tigers
DaOne Owens: 2-4 20 yards 11 carries 107 yards TD
Ja’Meir Gamble: 16 carries 97 yards
Mylen Lenix: 9 carries 54 yards TD
Jacques Carter: 1 carry 50 yards TD
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
Massillon 8:00- Mylen Lenix, 14-yard run (kick good)
Massillon 1:26- Mike Wright, 10-yard run (kick good)
3rd Quarter
Massillon 8:47- Vincent Keller, 35-yard field goal
Massillon 6:58- Jacques Carter, 50-yard run (kick good)
Massillon 2:21- DaOne Owens, 3-yard run (kick good)
4th Quarter
Green 4:47- Samino Manson to Zachary Baglia, 66 yards (xp no good)
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | FINAL | |
| Green | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| Massillon | 14 | 0 | 17 | 0 | 31 |
