Nike Headquarters hosted the Tigers on Thursday for the Nike Kickoff Classic. Massillon took on NFL Academy UK, a team full of European players aspiring to play on a higher level in the United States. Clutch performances from key players led to a win, and the Tigers overcame the international challenge to take home the victory.
Massillon’s passing game —with quarterback Jalen Slaughter— was stellar in the season opener. Slaughter completed 29 of 44 passes for 403 yards, also tossing three touchdowns in the process. Slaughter spread the ball around, completing passes to receivers Braylyn Toles (114 yds, 1 TD), Ricardo Wells (113 yds), Jacques Carter (75yds, 2 TDs), Ja’Meir Gamble (69 yds), Deontay Malone (23 yds), and Peytton Mitchell (9yds) during the game. His 403 passing yards were second all-time in a single game for a Massillon quarterback, behind Justin Zwick’s 407 in 2001. Slaughter also showed great discipline under pressure the entire game, staying cool under the rush, evading tackles, improvising when necessary, keeping his eye out for open receivers while on the run, and throwing the ball away to prevent loss of yardage. For this excellent performance, quarterback Jalen Slaughter is the offensive spotlight player of the week.
The Tigers defense stepped up in crucial moments. The defensive spotlight player of the week, Lennox Lemon, had three huge plays to help prevent an NFL Academy score and seal the Tigers’ victory. Early in the 4th quarter, with the Tigers up two scores, NFL Academy quarterback Mikey Szabo completed a pass over the middle to NFL Academy star Justus Seelig, who was wide open. Lennox Lemon never gave up on the play, running down Seelig at the Tigers’ 10-yard line even when it seemed he was out of reach and on his way to the end zone. The very next play Lemon’s perseverance paid off, and the Academy’s comeback attempt was snuffed out as he intercepted NFL Academy quarterback Szabo’s pass at the Tigers’ 5, taking it to the Massillon 24-yard line before being tackled. Late in the fourth quarter, Lemon broke up a pass on 4th down to seal the Tigers’ victory. For his perseverance and effort on the field, Lennox Lemon is the defensive spotlight player of the week.
Interception to seal the deal vs NFL Academy pic.twitter.com/tFjIMXgwYi
— Lennox Lemon (@LennoxLemon1) August 24, 2024
