Massillon's Perfect Season Culminates in State Championship Glory
The Massillon Tigers, a team with a rich football tradition, entered the game with a history that speaks volumes. They boasted 24 state championships, a testament to their long-standing dominance in Ohio football. However, since the implementation of the state tournament, the ultimate prize, the OHSAA state playoff title, had remained just out of reach for the Tigers. In recent years, the Hoban Knights had been a consistent obstacle, thwarting the Tigers' aspirations in crucial moments. The Tigers had come close, finishing as state runner-ups six times, including heartbreakingly close calls in 2020, 2019, and 2018. This championship game was more than a battle for the season's crown; it was an opportunity for the Tigers to overcome a familiar hurdle and capture a title that had eluded them for too long.
In a game that lived up to its billing as a clash of the titans, the Massillon Tigers emerged victorious over the Hoban Knights in the OHSAA Division 2 State Championship, capping off a perfect season with a 16-0 record. In a game where offense took a backseat, it was the defense and special teams that significantly shaped the 7-2 outcome.
The first quarter saw solid drives by each team stall out deep in the other's territory. The Knights started the game with a 10-play, 58-yard drive that ended in a fumble recovered by Dorian Pringle. The Tigers followed up with a 9-play, 59-yard drive that ended with a turnover on downs on the Hoban 22.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Tigers captured the momentum when Massillon's Chase Bond blocked a punt by Hoban's Ryan Burns, setting up the Tigers inside the Hoban 30-yard line. Bond, reflecting on the moment, said, “Honestly, it was just a mismatch. It was an 'I knew what was going to happen before the play' type thing, and I just refused to be blocked.” Hoban put pressure on the Tigers and forced a fourth and 10, but a facemask penalty gave the Tigers new life. Massillon capped off the drive when Mylen Lenix punched in a TD run from 6 yards out with 6:00 left in the half, making the score 7-0.
The excitement remained in the crowd despite three consecutive three-and-outs that ensued. However, the last one, Hoban punter Ryan Burns pinned Massillon against their own endzone on a punt that was downed at the 1-yard line by Elbert Hill IV. The next play from scrimmage saw Hoban juniors Tanner Mintz and Nick Crawford bring down DaOne Owens in the endzone for a safety. This brought the score to 7-2 and gave the Knights some much-needed momentum. Although it was short-lived, since after they got the ball on the free kick, Hoban QB Tylan Boykin would throw an interception to Vito McConnell.
The third quarter saw Hoban attempting to build momentum, but their efforts were consistently thwarted by penalties and a staunch Massillon defense. The fourth quarter wasn’t much different. A critical juncture arrived with 7:33 left in the game when Massillon's fake punt attempt was stopped short, giving the Knights a chance to turn the tide.
However, the Tigers' defense, led by senior Dorian Pringle, stood tall. Pringle, who had been sidelined for several weeks with an injury, expressed the significance of his return: "It was pretty important to me. I've been out for like four weeks, and I just wanted to suit up again with my brothers for one last time." His performance, including 14 tackles, 2 TFL, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery, was crucial in the game's decisive moments.
The Knights' final offensive play, a desperate 4th & 8, was emblematic of their struggles throughout the game. A bad snap on the previous play had turned a promising situation into a dire one, and once again, the Tigers' defense prevailed.
Coach Nate Moore, reflecting on the victory, said, "So happy for our kids, so happy for our coaches... and so happy for the city of Massillon. They showed up tonight, but they showed up all year." He further emphasized the team's diversity and unity, stating, "The more you get to know other people, the more you realize we're not so different... we're all just brothers up here, just playing the game that we love for the city that deserves it."
Moore also lauded the defensive efforts on both sides: "It was an incredible performance by our defense... Hoban's defense was great tonight too." He proudly declared the lasting legacy of his team: "This 2023 Massillon Tiger team is immortal. They're going to live forever... nobody's ever going to forget these guys."