Massillon wins 11th straight in their annual rivalry against McKinley

Massillon running back Savior Owens made sure he crossed the goal line in the third quarter, scoring on a 7-yard rush. Owens rushed for 163 yards on 18 carries. (Photo: Chuck Cordes/Ohsfbmedia.com)

MASSILLON, Ohio — In the 137th meeting of the two historic programs, the Massillon Tigers walk away with their 11th straight victory over the Bulldogs.

A 31-0 victory, and they retain the “Victory Bell.”

It was not one of their best games, as they committed 14 penalties for 124 yards. “They're drive killers; we go over it every day in practice,” said Haines.

Haines, who started his first game in the annual rivalry and won the Great American Rivalry trophy for being the most outstanding player, “This game means everything to a Massillon kid growing up here,” elaborated Haines.

McKinley just couldn't get anything going offensively to offset Massillon's mistakes as they were in the red zone multiple times but came up empty. With starter Kyelin West out, the trio of Gordon, Rozier Jr., and Davis accounted for -24 yards rushing.

Massillon’s defensive line was the culprit, as their pressure and physical style of play with Brydon Feister and Brayton Feister caused a lot of problems upfront for the Bulldogs.

Christian Culler was also very active on the defensive side for Massillon with 6 tackles, one sack and two tackles for loss.

Massillon running back "Scary" Gary Yeager looks for running room. (Photo: Chuck Cordes/Ohsfbmedia.com)

Haines was talking leadership after the Tigers' win and entering the playoffs, “I’m just gonna keep reminding the guys it's back to a zero-zero record; we just gotta play like we got a chip on our shoulder now,” Haines said.

He helped the Tigers with two rushing touchdowns.

The Bulldogs have to make a way to get a victory in week 10.

Game Breakdown

First quarter

Massillon wins the toss and defers it to Canton McKinley to open up the 137th meeting of the “War of 1894.”

The Bulldogs open the run game with Rozier Jr., and on the second play of the possession they bobble the handoff. Crook completes a pass, but they punt, and Massillon’s Braylon Gamble bobbles the punt, setting the Bulldogs up at the 25-yard line.

They convert on 4th and 11 as Crook finds Darius Hill in the corner near the goal line with 8:25 remaining in the quarter.

The Massillon Tigers hold up the Great American Rivalry trophy after their win over Canton McKinley in the 137th game. (Photo: Chuck Cordes/Ohsfbmedia.com)

On a third-and-4, the Bulldogs run Shad Davis, are stopped on the three-yard line, and go for it on 4th down; quarterback Braylon Crook fumbles at the Tigers' 1-yard line, and the Tigers take over at their 1-yard line.

Gary Yeager goes down after a late hit from Javier Moore, which results in a 15-yard penalty against the Bulldogs.

Massillon quarterback scores on a 1-yard quarterback keeper with 19 seconds left in the quarter. Massillon 0, Canton McKinley 7

Second quarter

Tigers get in the red zone but settle for a 36-yard field goal by kicker Mateo Herrera to go up 10-0 with 9:22 remaining in the half.

McKinley Crooks connects with DeMarco Richardson Jr. for his longest pass of the game. After a personal foul and a pass interference on Massillon, the Bulldogs set up on the 5-yard line. Brayton Feister makes a huge tackle for loss, and the Bulldogs go for it on 4th and 24 with 4:21 remaining on the clock.

With 3:54 on 4th and 24, Crook throws an interception to Braylon Gamble. Massillon's defense is starting to win the line of scrimmage. HALFTIME: Massillon 17, McKinley 0

Braydon Feister tackles McKinley's Braylon Crook for a loss during the game. (Photo: Chuck Cordes/Ohsfbmedia.com)

Third quarter

Savior Owens opens the quarter with a 40-yard run, but McKinley’s Jayvier Bruner commits a personnel foul, which sets up a Savior Owens seven-yard touchdown with 10:39 remaining.

McKinley completes a pass to Darius Hill for a long gain, and Rozier Jr. goes for 20+ yards on a rush that sets the Bulldogs on the 29-yard line, but after a fumble from Crook, Brydon Feister recovers the ball and runs it back 65 yards for a Tiger touchdown to give the Tigers the lead, 31-0.

McKinley has lost the battle at the line of scrimmage as they only have -11 yards for the game. Add another fumble with 24 seconds remaining in the quarter: Crook fumbles the ball, and the Tigers take over on the 43-yard line.

Fourth quarter

The running clock continued, and it was all but over for the Bulldogs. FINAL: Massillon 31, McKinley 0.

What’s next?

Massillon (8-1) will get a bye and a home game to start the OHSAA playoffs; Canton McKinley (7-3) will also have a home game to start the playoffs. Pairings for the playoffs will be released on Sunday, October 25.