Massillon Tigers Defeat St. Edward Eagles 31-21 in Clash of OHSAA Defending State Champs
Massillon Tigers Defeat St. Edward Eagles 31-21 in Clash of OHSAA Defending State Champs
In a battle of Ohio's top high school football programs, the Massillon Tigers outlasted the Lakewood St. Edward Eagles, 31-21, in a hard-fought game that lived up to its billing as MaxPreps' No. 2-ranked game of the week. Both teams entered the matchup as defending OHSAA state champions — St. Edward in Division I and Massillon in Division II — with a rich history between them. The Tigers' victory marked their third consecutive win over the Eagles, further solidifying their claim as the best team in the state.
The game kicked off with intensity, as both teams defenses showed why they are top teams in the country. The 1st quarter was scoreless, but after a drive by the Eagles was thwarted by a failed field goal attempt, the Tigers took control. Running back Ja’meir Gamble broke off a big run to set up a scoring opportunity, and a 26-yard field goal by Mateo Herrera put Massillon ahead 3-0 early in the second quarter.
St. Edward’s offense struggled to gain momentum, with a blocked punt by Massillon's Joe Karder giving the Tigers excellent field position midway through the second quarter. The Tigers capitalized on the turnover with a 15-yard touchdown run by Gamble, extending the lead to 10-0.
The Eagles responded with a spark, as quarterback Thomas Csanyi led a quick drive, finding Bradley Eaton for a 14-yard touchdown to cut the lead to 10-7. After forcing a Massillon three-and-out, Csanyi struck again, connecting with Zach Hackleman for a 69-yard touchdown to give St. Edward a 14-10 lead with 1:48 left in the half.
However, Massillon's offense roared back. Gamble and quarterback Jalen Slaughter orchestrated a quick drive, and Slaughter found Braylyn Toles for a 7-yard touchdown just before halftime, giving the Tigers a 17-14 lead at the break.
Massillon started the second half with authority. Gamble, who finished the night with 148 rushing yards and two touchdowns, broke loose for a 47-yard touchdown run to extend the Tigers' lead to 24-14.
St. Edward refused to go quietly. After a Tigers fumble gave the Eagles new life, Csanyi led another scoring drive, finding Brayden Zart for a 5-yard touchdown, cutting the lead to 24-21 with 5:10 left in the third quarter.
The final quarter saw both defenses tighten up. Massillon forced a turnover on downs with 4:34 remaining, stopping Csanyi on a quarterback keeper. From there, the Tigers relied on their ground game to drain the clock, and Mylen Lenix broke free for a 39-yard touchdown run, sealing the 31-21 victory for the Tigers.
For the Eagles, Csanyi finished 18-of-30 for 252 yards and three touchdowns, with Hackleman emerging as his top target, hauling in nine receptions for 161 yards.
With the win, Massillon keeps their momentum alive as they aim for back-to-back state titles, while St. Edward looks to regroup as they continue their quest for a fourth straight Division I crown.