Canton McKinley overcomes a spirited Warren Harding squad to capture season opener

 Canton McKinley overcomes a spirited Warren Harding squad to capture season opener

By Keno Sultan

Stark County Prep Press writer

www.starkcountypreppress.blogspot.com

CANTON--With former Canton McKinley and Warren Harding football head coach Thom McDaniels in attendance tonight at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, both teams were determined to put on a pleasing display of football that would have pleased their mentor.

Both schools did not disappoint.

In a contest that featured three ties and no deficit greater than six points till the fourth quarter, it was the Bulldogs needing every asset in their offensive arsenal through their running game to stop the visiting Raiders in their tracks 26-19 to claim their first victory of the 2024 season. Their victory was not secured until Harding quarterback Chaz Coleman had a fourth down pass broken up at the McKinley 40 yard line and two plays later, Bulldogs running back Nino Hill ran for a first down that allowed McKinley to evaporate the clock.

McKinley's defense had their work cut out in attempting to stifle the 6'5'' Coleman, who provided shades of former Harding field general Maurice Taylor, who was a two-year starter for the Raiders back in the 1998 and 1999 seasons. No one was relieved to escape with the triumph more than McKinley mentor Antonio Hall, who played against Taylor in his career and saw shades of him through Coleman.

"Ultimately, we found a way to overcome adversity. We stayed together, there was no finger pointing when things weren't going our way," Hall said. "There were similar dynamics between the two although Coleman is a little bigger and to me he throws a great ball especially off his back foot away from the play and throwing against his body and some of the throws he was making tonight, I don't know how a high school quarterback could have made those."

Both teams absorbed early turnovers on their first possessions. However, Harding obtained a big boost when cornerback Airiz Coleman-Bey snagged a pass from Bulldogs quarterback Kam Montgomery and returned the theft for a 29-yard touchdown score early in the second quarter to answer an early touchdown from the Bulldogs when Montgomery connected on a 31-yard touchdown strike to D.J. Britt, who got behind a Harding safety to commence the scoring.

Missed extra points by both kickers allowed this game to be close to the vest throughout. Despite not being able to possess a lead tonight, it is brightly lucid that under the instruction of first-year head coach Matt Richardson, these are no longer the Raiders who were known for melting down at the earliest whiff of adversity.

Under Richardson, those days are terminated.

"We have a lot of potential on what we can do. Anytime you play a good team, the team who makes the least mistakes will win the game and McKinley made less mistakes than us," he said. 

Both teams did heavy damage with their running games. After surrendering the interception return that was a score, McKinley turned to the ground express on their fifth possession with senior tailbacks Hill and Jamar Johnson, with Hill accumulating for most of the damage during a drive that took 14 plays and over four minutes off the clock that allowed them to reclaim the lead late in the second quarter at 19-13 only to have Harding retaliate with an equalizer when Coleman tossed the first of two scoring strikes as he eluded multiple McKinley defenders and tossed a 42-yard scoring bullet to Marcus Crum Jr. who caught the ball for an easy score in part to a lack of communication in the Bulldogs secondary.

The Bulldogs took back the momentum when Montgomery converted a critical pass on a third down and needing 20 yards when he found Britt over the middle for a first down and a play later, Montgomery delivered a quick strike to Darius Hill and despite the missed extra point kick, McKinley led 19-13 at halftime.

Harding showed their resiliency as well with a 14-play drive of their own that lowered eight minutes off the third quarter clock with Coleman showing his artistic prowess through his arm and feet and his one yard touchdown run had the visiting Raiders feeling great.

McKinley answered the Harding score with a 10-play drive culminating with a second touchdown run from Hill to start the fourth quarter. Harding would only get as close as to the McKinley 40 late in the game before turning the ball over on downs and losing their fourth contest to McKinley in a row.

It wasn't the result Richardson desired in his second return to Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium dating back to his final year as Akron Hoban offensive coordinator that ended with a stinging 7-2 loss to undefeated Division II state champion Massillon but he knows that the pride in Warren football has been restored and it is only a matter of his charges staying the course and eventually becoming a title contender in Division II.

"I want them to know that we have the ability to win games. We just have to make less mistakes, practice a little bit harder, follow our procedures and do what we have to do to win the game," he said.

Montgomery led the McKinley passing attack with two touchdowns while Hill added two scores for them on the ground and was over the 100-yard rushing mark for the evening while Coleman threw for a score and ran for another to pace Harding. When asked if Coleman's play was reminiscent of Taylor, Richardson rehashed Taylor's playing days having coached at Warren Harding dating back to the 2000 season.

"The one thing I will say abot Chaz is that he is 6'5" and Taylor was about 5'11'' so it is different and both have different styles. Chaz has a lot more upside although Taylor himself was a great player," he said.

The Bulldogs will receive another test against Avon next Friday on the road. Hall knows his team had their share of mistakes they were able to overcome tonight but vowed that those mistakes have to be non-existent if they are to be 2-0 after next Friday. Last season, Avon defeated McKinley 28-7 in the second week of the season and eventually completed an undefeated regular season only to have it tainted in the Division II state semifinals against Hoban once again.

For now, Hall wants his team to enjoy the victory but not before he turned his sights to the Eagles and the challenge of overcoming them on the road next Friday.

"We have to avoid turnovers, sloppy special teams play, missed assignments and penalties. So we have to get better in all those categories this week if we intend to contend against Avon," Hall said.

With former McKinley and Harding head coach Thom McDaniels in attendance, both schools were determined to put on a pleasing display of competitive football. Both teams did not disappoint but in the end, it was McKinley celebrating a victory over a resurgent Harding football team.

Canton McKinley running back Nino Hill is hoisted in the air by his offensive linemen during the fourth quarter of Thursday's home opener. The Bulldogs obtained their first win of the season 26-19 over Warren Harding. (Keno Sultan/Stark County Prep Press)

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

Bulldogs await challenge from old rival

 Bulldogs await challenge from old rival

By Keno Sultan

Stark County Prep Press writer

www.starkcountypreppress.blogspot.com

CANTON--Seven years ago, Canton McKinley competed in their first high school game inside Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium against Warren Harding.

Antonio Hall and Matt Richardson were not on the sidelines at the time.

84 months later, the two teams will square off Thursday night to commence the start of the 2024 season and it will be another chapter in the series between these two teams who were known for multiple hard-hitting contests in the 90s.

Hall knows this better than anyone else. A three-year two-way starter for McKinley, he was 3-0 in varsity competition against the Raiders with two of the three having playoff implications. Now in his fourth season atop the Bulldogs post, he knows this Harding team will be much different from the last several teams McKinley has faced in the past.

"I am very impressed with them and they have a lot of dynamic athletes and they are physical so we have to execute and compete to match their physicality, Hall said. 

McKinley showed promise with last week's scrimmage against Cleveland Heights. After spotting the Tigers an early 13-0 lead, the Bulldogs responded with 27 consecutive points with incumbent starter Kam Montgomery tossing three scoring aerials and Jamar Johnson scoring on a short touchdown run to conclude the scoring. What was even more pleasing was that McKinley did not turn the ball over, a sight that left Hall pleased and feeling fervently excited about his offense especially his defense how they did not surrender another score and stymied the Tigers offensive attack afterward.

On the other hand, Harding is a team attempting to get back to it's ways through a punishing offense and a predatory defense, something Hall's coaching counterpart, Richardson wants to do immediately after replacing Steve Arnold, who retired after a 12-year reign as Harding's head coach. A 1994 graduate of Warren John F. Kennedy, Richardson was also a running backs coach for the Raiders under the direction of Thom McDaniels, who was 4-0 against McKinley as Harding's field general. Richardson recently completed a run at Akron Hoban as the Knights offensive coordinator as they won five state championships in six years. He also was part of two national championship squads at Youngstown State under the tutelage of Jim Tressel, who coached Ohio State to an undefeated season and the 2002 national championship. Richardson also was part of an Eagles state championship team as well under veteran head coach Tony Napolet.

Accountability is something Richardson wants out of his battalion of Raiders as they look for their first winning season since 2020 and most importantly, truncate a 12-21 slide that has been uncharacteristic of the Raiders football regime through three consecutive losing seasons.

"I want my players to follow the proper protocol to be where you are expected to be and do the little things first. If we do that then the rest will take care of itself," he said.

Last year, Harding scored on a kickoff return for a touchdown to conclude the second quarter and went to the locker room tied at 14-14 only to have the visiting Bulldogs strip away the momentum from Harding and posted a 33-14 victory. 

Hall recalled the touchdown but at the same time commended his players for their response coming onto the field for the second half.

"We emphasize special teams and at the time it was a let down for us but in the second half, we took control of the game," he said. "But those were two different teams and it is about this year's contest."

You never mention Warren football without the names of Maurice Clarett, Carl Diggs, Deryck Toles, Dave and Dan Herron, Mario Manningham and others who have donned the black and gold. From 2000-2003, the Raiders won 43 of 50 games, posted two undefeated regular seasons, and competed for a state title in Division I.

Richardson was blessed to see uphand just how punishing the Raiders were during that run and he wants his legion of Raiders to experience that for themselves. A step in that direction would be coming away with a victory on the road. For that to happen, they have to set the tone by scoring first, something McKinley has accomplished during their four-game winning streak against Harding in which they have outscored them 122-62 in the four contests.

"It's very important to score first and set the tone. If you do that, you will give yourself a chance so we have to do that Thurdsay," Richardson acknowledged.

Hall has never traversed paths with Richardson but he knows about the pedigree of coaches he has been around, starting with McDaniels and being with Dan Reardon (who coached McKinley from 2015-2018) and then with Hoban's Tim Tyrrell. Richardson's Hoban teams led the state in rushing yards in the five years they won the state title, two of them coming in Division III and the last three in Division II.

Although this game is only the season opener, it always has a playoff feel for Hall, who was part of two wins over the Raiders in 1998 and 1999. Both games McKinley survived early deficits to claim victory. However the 1998 game was the most memorable for Hall because of the adversity the Bulldogs were facing in what was a do-or-die situation with the top four teams in the region at the time qualifying for the playoffs as they trailed 16-7 before scoring 13 points in the fourth quarter and completing a 20-16 win that kept Harding, who was ranked as high as #3 in the nation out of the postseason as they finished fifth with an 8-2 record.

"That was as physical as a game could get. We knew we had to take charge right away and execute in that fourth quarter. We were able to do what we had to do and got the win and that is something we will have to do like that in order for us to be 1-0 on the season," Hall acknowledged.

For the Raiders, they open up with two of their first five on the road with another trip to Stark County to face Perry in two weeks. But for now, Richardson wants his team to develop the expectation of winning and a victory Thursday night will pay dividends along the way to getting Harding back to contending status and eventually their first state championship since 1990, their last crown under the late Phil Annarella.

When asked if these Raiders will be different from the last 12, Richardson didn't comment on the teams under Arnold but hinted at what his team will be like under his watch laced with veteran assistant coaches.

"I can't speak for the last 12 Harding teams and what they looked like but I can tell you that we are going to compete. How we behave off the field is the way we will play on the field," he said.

Seven years ago, Antonio Hall and Matt Richardson were not on the sidelines when McKinley and Harding played their first game in Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Seven years later, their paths cross and one of their teams will be gleeful after Thursday night.

Canton McKinley Bulldogs head coach Antonio Hall walks the field during warmups before the Bulldogs scrimmage against Cleveland Heights. Hall is now in his fourth year as head coach of this alma mater. (Keno Sultan/Stark County Prep Press)

*A Massillon connection: Shawn Crable, who was a three sport athlete at Massillon and was part of two regional championships as a Tigers linebacker and a district basketball champion center with the Tigers is the Bulldogs defensive line coach. Crable, a 2003 graduate of Massillon was also part of the Michigan Wolverines 2003 and 2004 Big Ten title winning teams and a member of the 2007 New England Patriots AFC championship winning team.

Shawn Crable (center) watches as McKinley players stretch during warmups before their scrimmage. Crable joined the McKinley staff this season, coaching the defensive line. (Keno Sultan/Stark County Prep Press)

*Another Massillon connection: Rick Shepas, who served as the athletic director along with the head football coaching duties at Massillon from 1998-2004 is the athletic director at Warren Harding. Shepas was 5-3 against McKinley as Tigers head coach, 2-1 against them at Fawcett Stadium. Shepas also had a 12-year run as head coach of NCAA Division III program Waynesburg. Shepas was 0-4 against Warren Harding as Massillon's head coach with a devastating 21-20 overtime loss to the Raiders in the Division I state semifinal. It was Harding's second win over Massillon in five weeks dating back to the ninth week of the 2002 regular season, a 31-27 win in front of 15,000 at Mollenkopf Stadium.

*Raider royalty: Former McKinley head coach Thom McDaniels was a combined 8-0 against McKinley and Massillon from 2000-2004, going 4-0 against both schools. Harding's largest win against Canton McKinley was in 2001, a 57-9 victory in which after yielding an early touchdown and trailing for the first time all season, Harding responded with 57 consecutive points in a battle of top 5 AP teams in the Division I poll with Harding ranked #1 and McKinley #4. It was Harding's second win over an AP top 5 team that season, having defeated Division IV champion and #1 ranked Youngstown Ursuline 56-16 as the Raiders led 35-0 at halftime.

Special credit to Warren Harding historians David Baugh and Joe McConnell for the additional information.

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

McKinley ends scrimmage with 27 unanswered points, shifts focus to Warren Harding

 McKinley ends scrimmage with 27 unanswered points, shifts focus to Warren Harding

By Keno Sultan

Stark County Prep Press writer

www.starkcountypreppress.blogspot.com

CANTON--School is not in session for another week but for the Canton McKinley Bulldogs they were in need of an extra cup of coffee.

The timing was adeptly sufficient in their seventh season at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

After spotting the visiting Cleveland Heights Tigers an early 13-0 lead, the host Bulldogs utilized a huge second quarter that witnessed them outscore their adversaries 20-6 in the second quarter and held their Cuyahoga County opponent scoreless for the duration of the contest and came away triumphant with a 27-13 decision in what was the final tune up for both squads before shifting their focus to the regular season with McKinley hosting Warren Harding next Thursday and Heights hosting Trotwood-Madison next Friday.

Canton McKinley quarterback Kam Montgomery pretty much solidifed his status as the starter as he connected on three touchdown aerials spanning 29, 30, and 47 yards respectively while running back Jamar Johnson, a former GlenOak running back scored on a one-yard touchdown run. What was aesthetically pleasing was despite the mistakes made at times by the Bulldogs was that they did not turn the ball over, a stat that pleased fourth-year head coach Antonio Hall, a 2000 McKinley graduate and former standout offensive lineman at Kentucky.

"I just think we had to settle in both offensively and defensively. It was our first time under the lights and guys first time playing in the stadium. It was a game time atmosphere and once guys settled in and started to execute, I think we were fine," Hall said.

The play of the evening came in the third quarter on a running clock when Montgomery under heavy pressure took a huge hit from a Tigers linebacker and still delivered a 47-yard scoring bomb. When asked if the score deflated the Tigers, Hall didn't believe so but it motivated his battalion of Bulldogs.

"I don't know if that necessarily broke their backs but it definitely woke us up. Once we got going, the defense fed off the offense, the offense fed off the defense and it was a great team experience," he said. "But we made a ton of mistakes, a ton of mistakes we have to fix if we want to have this same feeling next week."

Canton McKinley running back Jamar Johnson scores on a one-yard touchdown run during the second quarter of Friday's scrimmage. McKinley prevailed over Cleveland Heights 27-13 and will host Warren Harding next week in their season opener. (Keno Sultan/Stark County Prep Press)

Warren Harding on the other hand has gone through a slide where they have won only 12 games in the last three years and have not had a winning season since the 2020 season. Under first-year head coach Matt Richardson, a 1994 Warren John F. Kennedy graduate and a state champion player with the Eagles, Richardson comes over from Akron Hoban where he was part of five state championship teams with two coming in Division III and the last three in Division II as the Knights offensive coordinator.

Since the rivalry resumed, McKinley has won all four contests, especially last year's 33-14 victory at Mollenkopf Stadium. Seven years ago, these two schools played the first high school game inside Benson Stadium, a McKinley 29-7 victory highlighted by the Bulldogs stifling the Raiders on four straight downs all from the one-yard line and preventing them from scoring.

Hall knows about the toughness the Raiders will display and knows based on his experiences as a player and coach, Thursday's regular season tilt will not be one his team will take lightly.

"Warren is just like us with a rich tradition and a lot of pride and football means something to them. You look at that rivalry and there have been a lot of epic games and a lot of players from both sides and you know, Coach Richardson, I don't know him personally but I know his work and guys who coached with him at Hoban and he's trying to build a culture over there," Hall said.

School is not in session for another week but the Canton McKinley Bulldogs were in need of an extra cup of coffee. The timing was just right against Cleveland Heights and the Bulldogs hope the smell permeates to another celebration next week.

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

2024 high school season on the horizon

 2024 high school football season on the horizon

By Keno Sultan

Stark County Prep Press

CANTON--19 Stark County head football coaches commiserated over dinner, social hour, laughs and a very good time at least for one night.

In two weeks, they will be testing each other's minds on the football field of battle through 10 regular season games and maybe again in the 11th week or further.

Wednesday night at St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church, it was the annual high school football coaches dinner to kickoff the start of the 2024 season. Last season it was Massillon and Canton South that emerged as the hottest teams in the county as both completed undefeated regular seasons and made deep playoff runs with the Wildcats finishing 14-1 as their only setback came in a valiant effort against eventual Division IV state champion Cleveland Glenville and the Tigers ended 52 years of playoff futility that ended with the program capturing their first state playoff title to go with their 24 Associated Press state poll championships (the most before the playoff era) with a 7-2 win over Akron Hoban in the Division II state championship while garnering national recognition in the process not to mention their defense setting a staggering nine state records on defense to cap their 16-0 season, the first wire-to-wire undefeated state champion since the 1997 Canton McKinley squad accomplished the feat in the big school division 26 years ago.

Massillon Tigers 10th year head coach Nate Moore addresses the audience at Wednesday's Stark County Coaches Dinner. Moore is the first and only Ohio prep coach to win a state championship at a private school and a public school in a nine-year span with Cincinnati LaSalle and most recently, Massillon. (Keno Sultan/Stark County Prep Press)

Here is the preview of each team in the county and comments from their respective head coaches:

Alliance Aviators

Head Coach: Tim Goodman

Years at school: 4

Last season's record: 6-5 (lost to Aurora in Division III first round playoff)

Returning Lettermen: N/A

Season Outlook: "We play a strong schedule this year with a lot of Stark County foes. We also face Marlington and Minerva and we are excited to go against those guys as well."

Canton South Wildcats

Head Coach: Matt Dennison

Years at school: 4

Last season's record: 14-1 (PAC-7 champions, lost to Cleveland Glenville in Division IV state semifinal)

Returning Lettermen: N/A

Season Outlook: "We are going to be a young team but we have a lot of talent. We talked about building a program and this is a program year for us. This is the year that we establish ourselves as a program at Canton South. We play a tough schedule but we don't back down from anyone."

Central Catholic Crusaders

Head Coach: Jeff Lindesmith

Years at school: 11

Last season's record: 7-5 (lost to Kirtland in Division VI first round playoff)

Returning Lettermen: N/A

Season Outlook: "We are all about preparation, accountability, and effort. I was taught that by coach Lowell Klinefelter years ago. We are going to play teams that are more talented than us and we have to win those battles."

East Canton Hornets

Head Coach: John "Spider" Miller

Years at school: 9

Last season's record: 2-8

Returning Lettermen: N/A

Season Outlook: "We have six juniors that are returning seven sophomores who played as freshmen last year. We are playing hard and working hard."

Fairless Falcons

Head Coach: A.J. Sarbaugh

Years at school: 7

Last season's record: 4-7 (lost to South Range in Division V first round playoff)

Returning Lettermen: 19

Season Outlook: "We have 53 guys this year which is the most we have ever had from 9-12. We have nine seniors this year and five captains."

GlenOak Eagles

Head Coach: Scott Garcia

Years at school: 17

Last season's record: 7-5 (lost to Lakewood St. Edward in Division I second round playoff)

Returning Lettermen: 15

Season Outlook: "We had a great offseason. It started in the weight room and our kids have brought into the challenge and want to get back to where we want to be. Our weight numbers have been unbelievable. Our junior class is very talented and our sophomore class is also talented too."

North Canton Hoover Vikings

Head Coach: Brian Baum Sr.

Years at school: 10

Last season's record: 6-6 (lost to Green in Division II second round playoff)

Returning Lettermen: 20

Season Outlook: "Last year we played a lot of young guys. This year we return a lot. The expectations are there. It's a tough and challenging schedule for us. We have guys developing into veterans."

Jackson Polar Bears

Head Coach: Jay Rohr

Years at school: 3

Last season's record: 5-6 (lost to Berea-Midpark in Division I first round playoff

Returning lettermen: 20

Season Outlook: "We have 180 football players and I am blessed to be in the situation I am in. We have a new offensive coordinator, Badre Bardawil, who comes over from McKinley. Since January 4th we have had 110 players in the weight room and that is just tremendous."

Lake Blue Streaks

Head Coach: Dan DeGeorge

Years at school: 12

Last season's record: 9-4 (lost to Massillon in Division II regional semifinal)

Returning Lettermen: 21

Season Outlook: "We lost a lot from last season and we have lots of holes to fill. The Federal League is strong and we are going to be tested every week."

Louisville Leopards

Head Coach: Chris Kappas

Years at school: 2

Last season: 1-9

Returning Lettermen: N/A

Season Outlook: "We have made significant changes in our program. We had a great offseason. We want to set the tone and get Louisville football back to being the Louisville football it used to be."

Marlington Dukes

Head Coach: Joe Cardinal

Years at school: 2

Last season's record: 6-4

Returning Lettermen: 18

Season Outlook: "We have five offensive starters returning and four defensive starters returning.  We have 14 seniors."

Massillon Tigers

Head Coach: Nate Moore

Years at school: 10

Last season's record: 16-0 (OHSAA DIVISION II STATE CHAMPIONS)

Returning Lettermen: 32

Season Outlook: "We have to take the next step like everybody else. We are right square in thinking about the development of our football team. Our focus is squarely on whatever we're doing at any given moment, at practice, whatever the drill, whatever the rep is. We return 8 starters on offense and three on defense. We're still the Massillon Tigers. We are still the men of Massillon."

Canton McKinley Bulldogs

Head Coach: Antonio Hall

Years at school: 4

Last season's record: 9-4 (lost to Lakewood St. Edward in Division I regional semifinal)

Returning Lettermen: 24

Season Outlook: "The Federal League is wide open and we go to GlenOak in week four. I am excited to see how our team is going to jell. That will determine our success.

Minerva Lions

Head Coach: Tim Speakman

Years at school: 3

Last season's record: 0-10

Returning Lettermen: N/A

Season Outlook: "We want to get Minerva back to where it once was. The commitment to that has been key in the weight room. We got a commitment to the weight room where everyone has been showing up. We will have a better chance to compete with teams this year."

Northwest Indians

Head Coach: John DeMarco

Years at school: 5

Last season's record 5-6 (lost to Canton South in Division IV first round playoff)

Returning lettermen: N/A

Season Outlook: "We graduated five seniors and we return a lot of lettermen and we are going to be competitive."

Perry Panthers

Head Coach: Zach Slates

Years at school: 4

Last season's record: 4-7 (lost to Lake in Division II first round playoff)

Returning Lettermen: 20

Season Outlook: "Our kids worked hard in the offseason. Last year was rough. We have 22 seniors this year and nine starters returning on offense and defense. They know what is expected for them."

St. Thomas Aquinas Knights

Head Coach: Kevin Henderson

Years at school: 2

Last season's record: 0-10

Returning Lettermen: 10

Season Outlook: "The numbers are up from last year and the attitude is improving. We have kids that are buying into our culture."

Sandy Valley Cardinals

Head Coach: Brian Gamble

Years at school: 8

Last season's record: 7-5 (lost to Lake County Perry in Division V second round playoff)

Returning Lettermen: N/A

Season Outlook: "Many of our veterans are starting to blend together. We return four offensive starters, six defensive starters and have 12 seniors."

Tuslaw Mustangs

Head Coach: Broc Dial

Years at school: 1

Last season's record: 2-8

Returning Lettermen: N/A

Season Outlook: Dial comes to Tuslaw from Dalton after coaching the Bulldogs to the Division VII state championship game, a 38-0 loss to Maria Stein Marion Local.

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

COMMENTARY: Stark County delivers again with unforgettable moments

 COMMENTARY: Stark County delivers again with unforgettable moments

By Keno Sultan 

C-Town Radio statistician and announcer

CANTON--The road to Canton and Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium has run it's course. 

Don't let this be a goodbye to the high school football season. This isn't a goodbye. It's see you later.

Six weeks ago, 448 high schools in seven divisions had valiant aspirations of descending on the hallowed grounds of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in hopes of being one of 14 teams competing for a state championship. However, only seven completed that road with a coveted gold trophy. The other seven received the silver trophy, an emblem of being a state finalist. Runner-up doesn't belong in this sentence in respect as state finalist at this juncture is more fitting and appropriate.

As I post this, it is great respect that I send a huge shout out to Aaron Sims and Jeff Woodson for their finding of me and opening me up to this opportunity and what better way to be where pro football originated at for high school football's greatest weekend.

In Division VIII, Maria Stein Marion Local once again displayed why they are a dynastic authority with a 38-0 running clock victory over Dalton, a high school from Wayne County that was making their first ever appearance in a state championship game. Head coach Tim Goodwin's track record of 309 wins nearly reminds me of the success that former Mount Union football coach Larry Kehres attained in leading the Purple Raiders to 11 NCAA Division III football titles and twice the longest winning streaks in history. Ok, that's pushing it despite the Flyers 13 titles but in all due respect have no intention of slowing down soon and that Marion Local tradition will be passed down to the brothers, cousins, and any male in the area with aspirations of being a Flyer. And being one of two three-time state champions only adds to that zeal. And while this is being posted, don't discredit Dalton. This will not define their season but is a celebration of being one of the 14 high schools that was worthy of competing for a title and under Broc Dial, will be contenders for years to come.

Maria Stein Marion Local's third straight championship was the school's 13th title under 24th year boss Tim Goodwin. (Keno Sultan/C-Town Radio)

The Division VI final was one between two familiar opponents. It was two years ago that Versailles arrived to Canton and showed that even a giant can be taken down. Kirtland was riding a staggering 55-game winning streak before the Tigers took them down and ended their title reign with a 20-16 upset. Fast forward two years later. Kirtland, after two straight state championship losses found their fortune again as they claimed their seventh state title with a hard-fought 32-15 triumph over the Tigers. One big play swung the momentum in the form of a 93-yard kickoff return score from Hornets running back Will Beers that put the brakes on the Tigers momentum. These two schools, look for them to have some future meetings in the years to come as long as Hornets title-winning general Tiger LaVerde and Versailles boss Ryan Jones are around.

After two straight state final appearances, Kirtland returned to the throne with a seventh crown, all under the tutelage of head coach Tiger LaVerde. (Keno Sultan/C-Town Radio)

There is nothing like when two teams are undefeated and are ranked #1 and #2 competing for a title. Last year, there were three #1 vs. #2 matchups in state championship games. This year, Lake County Perry and Liberty Center both arrived with 15-0 records and respectable billing as the two best in Division V. In the end, Liberty Center had nothing to be ashamed of in their valiant effort, however the Pirates of Lake County Perry showed unfailing grit in overcoming a 14-7 deficit to snag their first title in a 21-14 victory to prove their worth in the Division V state final. Both teams lived up to their reputation as physical teams with strong running games and physical defense. For the Pirates it is their first title and for the Tigers, their third state final appearance and first in 25 years. Both teams displayed a prowess that fans of their respective schools can be proud of. This was a true #1 vs #2 matchup worth watching. Pirates and Tigers fans both can be proud as I am of both schools.

Lake County Perry proved they were #1 wire-to-wire with a 21-14 win over #2 Liberty Center to win the Division V state championship. (Keno Sultan/C-Town Radio)

In Division IV, it was one thing for Cleveland Glenville to become the first inner city school in the area to win a state title. It's another to repeat the accomplishment. Their 38-3 win over Kettering Alter not only was their second title but it also cemented the legacy of 26 year boss Ted Ginn Sr., a coach who is as serious about God being in his life the same as he is the Tarblooders head football and track coach. This is Ginn Sr.'s eighth state championship overall (six as track head coach). Even memorable is the fact that Ginn survived cancer to come back on the sideline and be a part of this accomplishment. As Ginn said, "You can't win it if God is not in it." Well said.

Cleveland Glenville establishes themselves as the kings of Division IV football with a 38-3 win over Kettering Alter. (Keno Sultan/C-Town Radio)

You can take Toledo Central Catholic down from Division II to Division III but one thing is for sure: the alma mater of former Cleveland Browns quarterback DeShone Kizer is putting more hardware in their trophy case for the fifth time under alumnus and head coach Greg Dempsey. Last year the Fighting Irish outlasted Akron Hoban for the Division II crown and added a Division III title with a 27-7 victory over Columbus Bishop Watterson in the Division III final. One player who will be playing on Saturdays will be Marquan Braswell, who is a punishing runner with a Mike Tyson body build from the 80's. Bishop Watterson went through some lean years but with alumnus Brian Kennedy as head coach, don't be surprised if the Eagles soar back to Canton as this will not be a one-time trip for them.

Toledo Central Catholic was the best in Division II and showed they were also the best in Division III with a 27-7 win over Columbus Bishop Watterson in the Division III state championship. (Keno Sultan/C-Town Radio)

For the first time in 30 years, there is a three-time Division I state champion and I wouldn't mention who it is loudly to Cleveland St. Ignatius. That said, Lakewood St. Edward, a long time rival of St. Ignatius, won their third straight Division I championship with a 31-21 win over Springfield, the Eagles third straight win over the Wildcats in all competitive contests. For Eagles head coach Tom Lombardo, it was nine years ago he turned down the Massillon job opening and it turned out to be a wise decision evidenced by what the Eagles have accomplished in his nine years as the Eagles general since taking over for Rick Finotti. They are truly the best Division I school to play football at this point. As for Springfield, there is no shame in being a three-time finalist as Maurice Douglass has his hands on their program, the same way as he did during his long tenure at Trotwood-Madison and residents in Clark County can be proud of their team.

Lakewood St. Edward establishes themselves as the best to play Division I football with a third straight big school title. (Keno Sultan/C-Town Radio)

And it is only fitting like singer/actress Vanessa Williams that we save the best for last. It has been a 52 year drought filled with six state finalist appearances but now the Massillon Tigers can finally call themselves undefeated Division II state champions. After years of being denigrated as "paper champions", never winning one "on the field" and among other negative criticism, their 7-2 win over Akron Hoban came as a knockout left hook shot as quick as the speed Sugar Ray Robinson threw it at in his heyday. No one will never, ever degrade Massillon again. Their critics were flattened like Gene Fullmer suffering whiplash after fielding a Robinson hook in their rematch which he lost via fifth round knockout. Tigers coach Nate Moore proudly has two state championships but this one puts him in a stratosphere unlike any other. As for Hoban, three straight state final appearances and eight in nine years is still something to be proud of. Don't discredit the Knights because of three losses in the state final. But this is Massillon's time. Massillon always heard the chatter of never winning a playoff title, now Massillon gets to talk, and everyone else has no choice but to hear it without interruption and deservedly so. 

Massillon completed a 16-0 season with a 7-2 win over Akron Hoban to win the school's first playoff title to go along with their 24 Ohio Associated Press poll titles, the most before the playoff era. The Tigers also finished ranked as a top 10 team in the nation. (Keno Sultan/C-Town Radio)

What a memorable weekend it was and another fine job by the city of Canton and the OHSAA in putting together yet another fine state championship weekend. Congratulations to all 14 schools who competed and to the seven who departed as state champions.

The road to Canton has run it's course. The 2023 season is over. But this isn't a goodbye. It's see you later.

Keno Sultan can be reached at 330-445-4575 or email at KenoSultan@hotmail.com.

 

STATE FINALS RECAP: Marion Local, Lake County Perry and Cleveland Glenville capture crowns

STATE FINALS RECAP: Marion Local, Lake County Perry, and Cleveland Glenville capture crowns

By Keno Sultan

C-Town Radio staff report

CANTON--Saturday at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, three more state champions were crowned as two of them retained their crowns and there was also a first time champion as the high school football season concluded after 16 long weeks. 

Marion Local, Lake County Perry, and Cleveland Glenville joined Lakewood St. Edward, Massillon, Toledo Central Catholic, and Kirtland as title winning teams over a span of three days.

Here are the recaps from the Division VII, Division V and the Division IV state championships.

Division VII state championship: Maria Stein Marion Local 38, Dalton 0

CANTON--Marion Local used an 80-yard interception return for a score from cornerback Griffin Burns and then a 64-yard punt return for a touchdown by Victor Hoelscher. both scores happening in the second quarter to stake the Flyers to a third straight state championship with a 38-0 dismantling of Dalton.

The Bulldogs were making their first appearance in a title game but faced a juggernaut that has won a staggering 13 titles as they concluded their season 13-2 while the Flyers captured another 16-0 record and now have won 48 contests in a row.

"There are a ton of factors that go into that. I can't really answer that other than it is the right coaching staff with the right coaching style with the community and the backing of the parents and athletic kids that love to compete and are very coachable. It is a whole lot of things mixed together," said Flyers 24th year head coach Tim Goodwin.

FLYER CELEBRATION. Marion Local running back Kyle Otte (#25) is congratulated after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter of Saturday's Division VII championship. The Flyers won their third straight title with a 38-0 win over Dalton. (Keno Sultan/C-Town Radio)

Division V state championship: Lake County Perry 21, Liberty Center 14

CANTON--In the only #1 vs #2 state final in a battle of undefeated squads, it was Lake County Perry overcoming an early 14-7 deficit and surviving a frantic rally from Liberty Center to win their first state championship in school history.

The contest lived up to it's billing as both squads showed why they were the top two schools in the state. Perry finished their season 16-0 while Liberty Center absorbed their first setback and finished 15-1.

"You know it feels great. Every one of us were blessed. At the beginning of the season we knew we could be something special and we showed that we can play together and have fun," Pirates linebacker Jayden Studio said.

TAMED TIGER. Liberty Center running back Trenton Kruse is swarmed by a host of Perry Pirates defenders during the second half of the Division V state final. The Tigers were defeated by Lake County Perry 21-14. (Keno Sultan/C-Town Radio)

Division IV state championship: Cleveland Glenville 38, Kettering Alter 3

CANTON--The Glenville Tarblooders established themselves as a Division IV power in the final game of the OHSAA state football championships with a 38-3 victory over Kettering Alter to win their second consecutive state title.

Last season, the Tarblooders downed Cincinnati Wyoming 26-6 to become the first inner city public school to win a state title. Returning a handful of players from that team, they turned their final against the Knights into a rout. 

Quarterback Ruel Tomlinson threw three touchdown passes and ran for two more to lead the Tarblooders. Veteran head coach Ted Ginn Sr. attested that the title was part of their destiny.

"Tonight was an example of what God has already had in the plan. You can't win if God is not in your plans. Long as God is involved, we have a chance," Ginn Sr. said of his team's accomplishment.

Glenville finished the year 13-2 while Alter concluded 12-4.

TEARS OF ELATION. Glenville players tearfully celebrate with each other after the Tarblooders 38-3 victory over Kettering Alter in the Division IV state championship. Glenville won their second straight state football title to go along with six track titles all under the tutelage of Ted Ginn Sr. (Keno Sultan/C-Town Radio)

Keno Sultan can be reached at 330-445-4575 or email at KenoSultan@hotmail.com.

STATE FINALS RECAP: Northeast Ohio scores clean sweep of state finals

STATE FINALS RECAP: Northeast Ohio scores clean sweep of state finals

By Keno Sultan

C-Town Radio staff report

CANTON--Friday at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in the second day of the OHSAA state football championships, Northeast Ohio high schools Kirtland, Toledo Central Catholic, and Lakewood St. Edward joined Massillon as state champions with respective victories in their division championship contests with the Fighting Irish and Eagles repeating as champions for a second and third time.

Division VI state championship: Kirtland 32, Versailles 15

CANTON--After Versailles had pulled within six points in the second quarter, Hornets running back Will Beers provided the play of the game in which he returned a kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown to reestablish a 19 point lead to keep the Tigers at bay and from there, claimed their seventh state championship, along the way avenging a state title game loss to the Tigers two years ago. 

Kirtland snapped a two-game losing streak in state finals and finished 15-1 while Versailles concluded their year at 14-2.

"It's so much fun sitting here winning than it does losing. When you lose, it's really hard because the kids put so much into it and you come up short and it's really hard to answer questions," 18th year Kirtland coach Tiger LaVerde said.

When asked about how devastating the Hornets kickoff return was, Tigers commander Ryan Jones did not see it as such.

"It's not devastating. You can't afford as a football team to be devastated in the middle of a game because if you are then you have surrendered there," he said.

HORNET SWARM. Kirtland players celebrate their 32-15 victory over Versailles in the Division VI state championship game Friday morning at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadim in Canton. (Keno Sultan/C-Town Radio)

Division III state final: Toledo Central Catholic 27, Columbus Bishop Watterson 7

CANTON--After spotting Bishop Watterson a first quarter 7-0 advantage, Toledo Central Catholic took over their contest and responded with 27 of the next 34 points as they captured consecutive state titles with a 20-point victory over the Eagles.

Toledo Central Catholic has won 31 contests in a row dating back to last season's 28-21 win over Akron Hoban in the Division II state championship before moving down a division and scoring a second straight title, the first time the Fighting Irish have won back-to-back titles under 24th year head coach Greg Dempsey.

"We keep preaching going 1-0 every week and I know it sounds corny and cliche but that's what you do. If you focus on going 31 and whatever, that's not going to happen," Dempsey said. "You have to take it one week at a time and that is the deal and that is what we said before we left the locker room let's go 1-0 and that will lead to us being a state champion. You have to have strong character to do those (wins) in a row and I can't say enough about them."

Watterson was attempting to win a title for the first time in 13 years to add on to the 2002 and 2010 teams but fell short of their goal as their season ended at 14-2.

"You know, we made some mistakes and they were able to capitalize on those and that's a really good team and you don't want to give up opportunities and we did that tonight," a dejected Eagles coach Brian Kennedy said. "Things didn't go our way and that is what it is, 27-7."

IRISH CELEBRATION. Toledo Central Catholic wide receiver Sharard Vaughn III (#28) celebrates his six-yard touchdown reception from Irish quarterback Terry Collins Jr. (not pictured) in the second quarter of Friday's Division III state championship. Looking on is receiver Lavell Stokes. (Keno Sultan/C-Town Radio)

Division I state championship: Lakewood St. Edward 31, Springfield 21

CANTON--The Lakewood St. Edward Eagles severed a 21-21 first half tie to finally down a resilient Springfield team for a third straight time to win their third straight Division I state championship with a 10-point victory in the nightcap to end the second day of championship competition.

The Eagles became the first high school in 30 years since arch rival Cleveland St. Ignatius to win three straight big school titles, who won five in a row from 1991-1995.

St. Edward finished their year 15-1 with their only setback, a 15-13 loss to undefeated Division II state champion Massillon.

"It's not easy and I feel relieved. There's a lot of pressure year after year on those expectations and the kids fulfilled that, that's an accomplishment," said ninth-year St. Edward head coach Tom Lombardo, who was a finalist for the Massillon job in 2015 that ended up going to current Tigers mentor Nate Moore, who won his second title as a head coach, first with the Tigers Thursday night.

Springfield under the tutelage of Maurice Douglass Sr. finished with a 10-6 record.

VICTORY RIDE. Lakewood St. Edward ninth-year field general Tom Lombardo gets a ride from his players as the Eagles defeated Springfield for a third straight year 31-21 for their third straight Division I state title, the first school to win three straight big school titles since St. Ignatius won their third in a row in 1993. (Keno Sultan/C-Town Radio)

BOYS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Canton McKinley 72, Alliance 50

ALLIANCE--The Sean Weatherspoon era at Canton McKinley commenced Friday night with a Bulldogs 72-50 victory over the Alliance Aviators.

Reed Sims Jr. scored 23 points to lead the Bulldogs to their first victory on the season. Weatherspoon, who previously coached at Maple Heights and then recently Alliance last season was a starting forward on the 2005 McKinley boys basketball team that finished 26-1 and were Division I state champions.

McKinley will be at home next Friday night against North Canton Hoover and then Saturday against Dover.

Keno Sultan can be reached at 330-445-4575 or email at KenoSultan@hotmail.com.