Massillon fell 20-14 to DeMatha Catholic (MD) Friday night. The Stags racked up over 200 yards rushing and won the line of scrimmage on the defensive side, holding back a late Tigers’ rally to go home with the win.
First Quarter
The Stags drove down the field, relying on running back Bud Coombs’ powerful downhill running abilities to set them up in scoring range. The Tigers were able to hold DeMatha to a 39-yard field goal attempt, which kicker Alex Amaya nailed to give the Stags a 3-0 lead. Massillon was unable to score despite a big catch from tight end Deangelo Zimmerman, and they punted the ball back to the Stags. Massillon’s defense shut down DeMatha on the next drive, as a Logan Allman sack stunted the offense. The Tigers turned the ball over quickly on their side of the field, after a Ja’Meir Gamble catch was jarred loose by the Stags.
Second Quarter
The Stags capitalized on the Tigers’ mistake, utilizing QB runs from Denzel Gardner and handoffs to Coombs to drive the ball into the end zone, giving them a 10-0 lead. Massillon was hit hard at the line on the offensive side of the ball, and the Tigers punted once again. DeMatha drove down the field into Tigers’ territory; but as the Stags attempted a 56-yard field goal, Vito McConnell blocked the kick, and Tyler Hackenbracht took the ball back to the Massillon 22-yard line. The Tigers were finally able to move the ball, and quarterback Jalen Slaughter capped off the drive with a 22-yard touchdown scramble. DeMatha was unable to score before the second quarter clock ran out, and the Tigers trailed 10-7 at the half.
Third Quarter
Massillon’s run game was shut down on the opening drive, and the possession resulted in a punt. DeMatha added another field goal after a drive down to the Tigers’ 15-yard line. DeMatha stood strong again and forced another Massillon punt. Stags’ punt returner Lavar Keys took the return 74 yards down to the Tigers’ 7-yard line. Running back Bud Coombs took a wildcat snap and ran the ball in for a touchdown, giving DeMatha a 20-7 lead.
Fourth Quarter
Massillon could not move the ball and was forced to punt early in the fourth quarter. DeMatha drove down to the Massillon 27-yard line but were stuffed on 4th-and-one, giving the ball back to the Tigers. Massillon drove down to the Stags’ 10-yard line after strong runs by Mylen Lenix but were unable to advance further and turned the ball over on downs. DeMatha went 3-and-out, and on the punt the ball was snapped low and downed (after an illegal kick) at the 6-yard line, giving Massillon a short field. Mylen Lenix carried the ball in for a touchdown, cutting the Stags’ lead down to 20-14. An onside kick attempt failed, and DeMatha took the field with 2:38 remaining in the game. The Tigers held DeMatha to a third-and-long play, but the Stags completed a long pass for a first down to seal the game, defeating the Tigers 20-14.
Interesting Stats
For the Stags, running back Bud Coombs racked up 171 yards rushing and scored a touchdown. On the Tigers’ rushing end, Mylen Lenix had 46 yards rushing and a touchdown; Ja’Meir Gamble had 38 yards rushing. Gamble also led the Tigers in receiving with 26 yards. On the defensive end, Logan Allman and Tyler Hackenbracht led Massillon with 12 tackles apiece. Allman also had a sack and a tackle-for-loss. Jadyn Williams had 8 tackles, and Mike Wright had a sack.
Video Highlights
Coach’s Comment
Coach Moore: “I’m proud of the way our kids played tonight against a really good team. Great play by our special teams late in the game [referring to the fumbled punt attempt].” On moving on from a tough loss, “What else can you do?”
Up Next…
The Tigers take on Football North (ONT) next Friday at 7:00. Football North is 4-1 coming off a win at Ironton.
