MASSILLON, OHIO – There were a lot of big plays in this game, but the biggest may have come on the first play of the game.
The game started off as a roller coaster of emotions for both sides. On the very first play from scrimmage, McKinley standout quarterback Elijah Wesley took off for an 81-yard carry all the way down to the Massillon 1-yard line.
However, it wasn’t the run that was the key play. It was Andrew Wilson-Lamp chasing down Wesley for a high effort tackle at the 1-yard line.
This touchdown saving play was followed by a fumble on the very next play. This set the tone for the rest of the game.
BIG PLAY on the FIRST play! McKinley QB Elijah Wesley runs all the way down to the Massillon 1. 🎥 ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Qo2x7ttb3T
— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsSports) October 3, 2020
The miscue allowed Massillon to quickly drive down the field, scoring on a 4-yard carry by quarterback Zach Catrone with 7:42 in the first quarter.
Week 6 Saturday Featured Game 🏈
1Q | 7:42
#4 Massillon Washington – 7
#11 Canton McKinley – 0Zach Catrone takes it himself for the first score of the ballgame!@MassTigers2020 @McKFootballPro @BrownsYouthFB @opiquephoto @NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/uqZNdpeaIc
— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsSports) October 3, 2020
After giving up 81 yards on the first play, Massillon’s defense tightened up in a big way.
They allowed just four yards for the rest of the half. The dominant defense was paced by Caiden Woullard and Martavien Johnson, who each had two tackles for loss.
Caiden Woullard is feasting here in the first half! Here is his 2nd sack so far in this one. 🎥 ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/KFZPXCdjgX
— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsSports) October 3, 2020
The Massillon offense struck again early in the second quarter, with an impressive drive being capped off by a 1-yard touchdown carry by Jumacius Portis.
Week 6 Saturday Featured Game 🏈
2Q | 11:01
#4 Massillon Washington – 14
#11 Canton McKinley – 0Jumacius Portis powers it in from a yard out to extend the Massillon lead. @MassTigers2020 @McKFootballPro @BrownsYouthFB @opiquephoto @NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/nJGsdf1QmO
— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsSports) October 3, 2020
The rest of the half remained uneventful from an offensive standpoint, with both teams exchanging multiple punts.
After McKinley cut the deficit to 14-7 on a 7-yard touchdown carry by Mani Powell, Massillon would take off and never look back.
With 1:53 in the third quarter, Nick Liebler capped off an impressive drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. Massillon has been more of a run first team this season, but they didn’t throw a single pass on this dominant drive.
Week 6 Saturday Featured Game 🏈
3Q | 1:53
#4 Massillon Washington – 21
#11 Canton McKinley – 7Massillon doesn’t throw a pass on this drive, pounding their way to a 1-yard Nick Liebler touchdown.@MassTigers2020 @McKFootballPro @BrownsYouthFB @opiquephoto @NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/9LNm99CD0V
— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsSports) October 3, 2020
Leading 21-7 heading into the fourth quarter, it became the Willtrell Hartson show.
The sophomore running back broke off a pair of touchdowns early in the final frame to make the score 35-7, essentially putting the game out of reach.
Week 6 Saturday Featured Game 🏈
4Q | 8:50
#4 Massillon Washington – 35
#11 Canton McKinley – 7Willtrell Hartson runs 37 yards for his 2nd touchdown of the quarter.
Massillon is rolling!@MassTigers2020 @McKFootballPro @BrownsYouthFB @opiquephoto @NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/zDmIv78fnR
— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsSports) October 3, 2020
Massillon came out prepared, and executed their game plan to perfection. Unfortunately for McKinley, they were outplayed in just about every aspect of the game.
The Tigers out-gained the Bulldogs 333-184. 286 of the 333 yards were accumulated on the ground, most of which came from the sophomore Hartson.
Both schools will now turn their focus to the playoffs. Massillon (5-1) has a bye week before they face the winner of Columbus Independence (1-1) and Columbus Walnut Ridge (1-1) in Region 7.
As for McKinley (4-2), they will host Berea-Midpark (2-4) in a Region 1 first round matchup.
For the fifth consecutive year, the bell stays in Tiger Town, and these Massillon fans will get another year of bragging rights over their arch rivals.
Box Score
Massillon 7 7 7 14 35
McKinley 0 0 7 0 7
Top Performers
Massillon
Passing: Zach Catrone (4-8, 47 Yards)
Rushing: Willtrell Hartson (22 Carries, 188 Yards, 2 TD)
Receiving: Andrew Wilson-Lamp (1 Reception, 32 Yards)
Defense: Austin Brawley (8.5 Tackles)
McKinley
Passing: Elijah Wesley (4-9, 16 Yards)
Rushing: Elijah Wesley (17 Carries, 119 Yards)
Receiving: Day’Jour Garrett (2 Receptions, 13 Yards)
Defense: Brian Pinkney (9.5 Tackles)
High School
OHSAA Releases Football Regional Final Pairings
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