Dunn and Bryant Too Much for Tigers, Moeller Wins 49-31

Photo by Devin Lowe

 

Quarterback Luke Dunn and receiver Tennel Bryant connected seven times for 227 yards and three touchdowns as the Crusaders topped the host Tigers 49-31 Friday night. The duo connected on big play after big play with Bryant’s three touchdowns going for 21, 66, and 70 yards.

Things were rough for Massillon from the start after they fumbled the opening kickoff and gave Moeller the ball at the Tiger 21. One play later, Dunn and Bryant connected for their first touchdown to put Moeller up 6-0. Late in the first, Jordan Marshall took a one yard plunge up the middle to put the Crusaders up 13-0 after one.

Though, Massillon wouldn’t be held scoreless much longer as senior Wiltrell Hartson scored on a one-yard rush to narrow the gap to 13-7. Landon Smith knocked through a 27-yard field goal later in the quarter to make it 13-10. Moeller would strike again when Marshall scored his second touchdown of the game, making it 20-10 Moeller at the half.

Second half

Disaster struck in the 3rd when Moeller blocked a punt and Massillon recovered in their own end zone. Thus giving the Crusaders a safety and a 22-10 lead. Two plays later, Dunn and Bryant hooked up for their second touchdown of the game, this one a 66-yard pass. Already leading 29-10, Dunn connected with his running back Jordan Marshall for a 55-yard touchdown, making it 36-10.

However, the Tigers were not about to roll over though, as Harston scored two rushing touchdowns to give him four on the day and narrow the gap to 36-23. On the very next play, Dunn found Bryant yet again for a 70-yard Crusader touchdown.

Massillon showed a lot of grit, putting together an 11 play, 69-yard drive that culminated in yet another Wiltrell touchdown. The senior’s fourth touchdown of the game narrowed the Moeller lead to 42-31 but that’s as close as it would get. The Tigers recovered an onside kick, but promptly went four and out, giving Moeller the ball in great field position. Jordan Marshall then got his third touchdown of the game and gave Moeller the final margin, 49-31.

Moeller offensive attack

The Tigers had no answer for receiver Tennel Bryant all night. The Moeller senior hauled in seven catches for a whopping 227 yards and three touchdowns. As a result, junior quarterback Luke Dunn finished 9 of 14 for 260 yards and four touchdowns. The passing game wasn’t the only dominant aspect for the Crusaders. Junior running back Jordan Marshall finished with 16 carries for 138 yards and three touchdowns.

Massillon struggled to get going offensively at times. However, Wiltrell Hartson turned in an impressive performance with 27 carries for 113 yards and all four Tiger touchdowns. Sophomore quarterback Jalen Slaughter went 13 of 34 for 175 yards and an interception.

In what some thought may be a down year for the Crusaders, a dominant early season win over a tough Massillon squad will open up some eyes. The connection of Dunn and Bryant will be a headache for opponents all season. And when you add in Jordan Marshall, Moeller has a lethal offense. They did struggle with penalties though, as several long touchdowns were called back for holding.

While the season didn’t start the way they wanted, Massillon fans shouldn’t panic just yet. Opening up with a powerhouse like Moeller would be daunting for any team in the state. Even though they lost, Massillon fought until the end with a team who played in the state semifinals a season ago. Outside of a Week 5 matchup with St. Edwards, Moeller is the toughest test the Tigers will face.

Moeller (1-0) will kick off their home campaign next Friday night when they host Trinity (KY) at 7 pm. Massillon (0-1) will look to get into the win column next week when they travel to Glenoak to face the Eagles. Glenoak (1-0) won their season opener with a dominant 51-7 victory over Shaker Heights.

Scoring Summary

 

1st Quarter

Moeller 11:45- Luke Dunn to Tennel Bryant, 21 yards (2 pt. no good)

Moeller 2:56- Jordan Marshall, 1 yard run (Drew Mitchell kick good)

 

2nd Quarter

Massillon 11:47- Wiltrell Hartson, 11 yard run (Nolan Hendrick kick good)

Massillon 5:45- Landon Smith 27 yard field goal 

Moeller 2:04- Jordan Marshall, 2 yard run (Drew Mitchell kick good)

 

3rd Quarter

Moeller 9:00- Punt blocked, Massillon recovers in end zone, Safety (2 points Moeller)

Moeller 8:25- Luke Dunn to Tennel Bryant, 66 yards (Drew Mitchell kick good)

Moeller 6:48- Luke Dunn to Jordan Marshall, 55 yards (Drew Mitchell kick good)

Massillon 3:52- Wiltrell Harston, 1 yard run (XP no good)

 

4th Quarter

Massillon 11:14- Wiltrell Hartson, 1 yard run (Nolan Hendrick kick good)

Moeller 10:55- Luke Dunn to Tennel Bryant, 70 yards (XP no good)

Massillon 6:58- Wiltrell Hartson, 3 yard run (Hartson 2 pt. good)

Moeller 2:04- Jordan Marshall, 6 yard run (Drew Mitchell kick good)

	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	FINAL
Moeller	13	7	16	13	49
Massillon	0	10	6	15	31

 

 

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