Tigers bid to regain title disappears in the hands of Golden Eagles

 Tigers bid to regain title disappears in the hands of Golden Eagles

By Keno Sultan

Stark County Prep Press writer

www.starkcountypreppress.blogspot.com

ZANESVILLE--From 2017 to 2013, Region 7 was dominated by the Massillon Tigers as they captured six regional titles in seven years.

There is now a new ruler of the region. Well, technically they are still the champions of the region.

Sunbury Big Walnut proved that last year's upset victory over Massillon was not a fluke by any means as a tired Golden Eagles defense found a way to overcome fatigue and turn away a final gallant stand by the Tigers in front of 6,000 at Sulsberger Stadium in a rematch of last year's regional title game by a score of 27-21.

In 2021 and 2022, Big Walnut lacked the experience of being in a big game and saw both of their seasons reduced to ashes by the Tigers. Two years later, the Golden Eagles obtained their first victory in a regional final and once again proved a worthy regional champion as for the second straight year they will advance to the Division II final four on the strength of a 12-game winning streak while Massillon's season concludes with a 9-4 record.

Golden Eagles quarterback Eli Stumpf accounted for three of Big Walnut's scores by virtue of a four-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter to Brody Hatfield and added on scores of four and one yard respectively in the second and third quarters. Owen Pyles added on field goals of 28 and 25 yards in the second and third quarter.

Massillon offensively was led by junior running back Savior Owens, who romped for three touchdowns that spanned 29, 44 and 58 yards on the evening. Massillon held a 14-7 in the second quarter but was unable to ward off the cool and composed Golden Eagles who calmly worked their way into the contest and eventually coming away with the victory.

Big Walnut advances next week to oppose defending state finalist Cincinnati Anderson, who downed Trotwood-Madison 38-7 in the Region 8 title match. Defending state champion Avon turned away Medina Highland and will meet Walsh Jesuit, who overpowered Akron Hoban 35-7 in the Region 5 title match.

Big Walnut coach Curtis Crager was relieved that his team was able to pull out a victory with their late stand.

"Our kids believed and they love each other and I could tell that our guys have a bond that you can't break when it matters most. They found a way and made a play tonight and that's what matters," he said. "Hat's off to Massillon. This is a tribute to them and they are a (heck) of a team. We just capitalized on a few mistakes and had two fourth down stops to seal the win. We have the utmost respect for Massillon and their program. I love our kids. They fight and they believe."

Keno Sultan is a writer for Stark County Prep Press. He can be reached at 330-445-4575 or email at KenoSultan@hotmail.com.