The Tigers cruised to a victory over the Canisius Jesuit Crusaders (NY) on a warm Friday night. Massillon’s defense stifled Canisius and their strong run game that featured Elijah Kimble, who holds offers from Michigan, Penn State, and Oregon. The Tigers special offense and special teams also rolled over the Crusaders, and the strong all-around play led to a 41-7 victory.
First Quarter
Massillon’s strong defensive day started early. On the first Canisius drive, Lennox Lemon picked off a Crusaders pass, taking it 44 yards to the house to put the Tigers on top 7-0. The Tiger defense stood strong again, and a Mike Wright tackle forced a Canisius punt. The Tigers started off their drive with a big Ja’Meir Gamble run, and a Peytton Mitchell catch-and-run set the Tigers up in Crusaders territory. Jalen Slaughter tossed a downfield pass to Jacques Carter, who made an incredible juggling catch, pinning the ball on the back of his own helmet before hauling it in. This excellent play set up a touchdown, as Mike Wright cleared a blocking path for a Mylen Lenix score. The Tigers got another stop on defense after a Wright tackle and led 14-0 at the end of the first.
Second Quarter
Massillon was forced to punt on the first drive of the second quarter despite gaining a first down on a Braylyn Toles catch. The Tigers’ defense forced a punt from the Crusaders on the following drive, and on the return Tyler Hackenbracht tiptoed the sideline for a 52-yard house call to put the Tigers up 21-0. An excellent kickoff by Nolan Hendricks put the Crusaders near their own end zone. A few plays later a fumbled snap was picked up by Massillon’s Mylen Lenix, who took it in for a touchdown. The Tigers’ defense shut down Canisius once again, as a Vito McConnell tackle for loss forced another Crusader punt. The Tigers capitalized with a Slaughter-to-Carter 24-yard touchdown pass. At the half, the Tigers led 35-0.
Third Quarter
The third quarter started with a running clock. The Tigers were forced to punt, but the Crusaders muffed the kick, and Lo’Quan Young recovered the ball for Massillon.
Fourth Quarter
Ja’Meir Gamble put the ball in the end zone a few plays after the recovered fumble to put the Tigers up 41-0. Canisius scored late on the Tigers backups; and when the clock hit all zeros, the score was Massillon 41 – Canisius 7.
Interesting Statistics*
The Tigers held Canisius to 131 yards of offense. Logan Allman and Mylen Lenix had five tackles apiece to lead Massillon. On the offensive side, Jacques Carter had 91 yards receiving and a touchdown. On special teams, Tyler Hackenbracht had a 52-yard touchdown on a punt return, and Daylan Pringle had a 40-yard punt return.
Postgame Comments
Coach Moore: “The game was really a team win; we performed well in all three phases. The D played lights-out against a great running back, special teams played great, and the offense had great plays as well.”
Mylen Lenix: (On performing well both ways)—“I love playing both ways; it doesn’t matter if I have the ball in my hands as long as I’m out there doing my job and helping my guys.”
Up Next…
The Tigers will take on defending Division I State Champion St. Edward. The game will be played at First Federal Lakewood Stadium; the game will kick off at 7:00.
Awesome job! Loved the commentary, photos and videos!! Outstanding work.