Rained drenched the field as Massillon saw their 18-game winning streak come to an end Friday night. Powerhouse Bergen Catholic played solid defense and were able to establish a solid run game that led to a win as they pulled away in the second half, winning 35-21.
Tigers’ Offense
First Quarter
The Tigers were able to score quickly. On their first drive, a Jalen Slaughter pass to Deangelo Zimmerman set Massillon up deep in Bergen territory. Ja’Meir Gamble broke off a 32-yard run for a touchdown, putting the Tigers on top 7-0. After punting on their next drive, the Tigers would answer a Bergen touchdown with a Slaughter-to-Zimmerman 26-yard touchdown pass.
Second Quarter
Despite a big kick return by Ja’Meir Gamble, the Tigers were forced to punt on their first drive of the second quarter. The next drive also resulted in a punt despite first downs from Braylyn Toles (receiving) and Ja’Meir Gamble (rushing). The next drive ended with a Tigers’ fumble. The last possession of the quarter resulted in a punt.
Third Quarter
Massillon was shut down in the third quarter as rain started to pour down on the field. Their three possessions ended in a punt, interception, and another punt.
Fourth Quarter
The Tigers were once again held scoreless, punting twice and turning the ball over on downs toward the end of the game.
Tigers’ Defense
First Quarter
The Tigers’ defense started out strong, forcing a 3-and-out. They gave up a score, however, on the next drive. Bergen quarterback Dominic Campanile tossed a 56-yard score to Quincy Porter, tying the game at 7. The Tigers’ D stood strong again on Bergen’s next possession, as Mylen Lenix and Isaac Maxheimer both sacked Bergen’s quarterback. With seconds left in the second, Bergen responded with a Dante Kain rushing touchdown, tying the game at 14.
Second Quarter
Bergen would take their first lead in the second quarter, as a long touchdown run put them up 21-14. The Tigers defense stood strong for the rest of the quarter. They forced a punt on the next drive. On Bergen’s third drive of the quarter, Massillon’s Tra’Yon Williams intercepted a pass, taking it back 30 yards for a touchdown and tying the game at 21. Later Bergen drove down the field, looking to retake the lead, but Daylan Pringle picked off a Campanile pass with a diving catch. The half ran out on Bergen’s next drive.
Third Quarter
Bergen punted on their first drive but found the end zone on a Calhoun rush on their second drive to take a 28-21 lead.
Fourth Quarter
As the rain came down, Bergen used their run game to wear down the Tigers. They scored a touchdown after an offensive fumble rolled into the end zone and was recovered for a score. Bergen would punt on their next drive, and after the Tigers turned the ball over on downs, Bergen took a knee. The final: Bergen 35 – Massillon 21.
Some Interesting Statistics
Bergen running back Najee Calhoun, who holds several Division I offers, was handed the ball 42 times–he rushed for 230 yards and two touchdowns. Bergen wide receiver Quincy Porter, an Ohio State commit, led the team with 85 yards (most coming on a 56-yard catch) and a touchdown. For the Tigers, Jalen Slaughter went 18-32 with 132 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Ja’Meir Gamble led Massillon with 109 yards rushing and one touchdown. Deangelo Zimmerman led the Tigers on the receiving side with 44 yards and a touchdown. On the defensive side, Daylan Pringle and Tra’Yon Williams both had interceptions, with Williams’ taking his interception in for a touchdown. Jaydn Williams and Tyler Hackenbracht led the Tigers with 12 tackles apiece, and Tra’Yon Williams had 11.
Up Next…
The Tigers will take on Canisus (NY), on September 13th. Kickoff will be at 7:00
