Division II Region 7 Final Preview: Green v. Massillon
Here's what you need to know before Green and Massillon travel to North Canton Memorial Stadium for a regional final rematch.
It was only two years ago that Green earned that improbable victory over a dominant Massillon Tigers team. Now, they meet again in the Division II Region 7 finals. Green parallels their 2021 season, while Massillon looks almost entirely different. The Tigers are bigger, being widely regarded as one of the best HSFB teams in the nation. Green, as if they traveled back in time, faces mountains of adversity that they've climbed yet again.
The most physical Massillon team we've seen this decade and a Green team that hadn't had a winning season in nine years before their improbable run will meet in North Canton Memorial Stadium.
Here's what you need to know.
Massillon Tigers: Pure Dominance on Display
The No. 1 seed Tigers have gone undefeated this season and are widely regarded as one of the country's best high school football teams. Led by senior quarterback DaOne Owens, Massillon's offense has been dynamic and explosive, with Owens throwing 1,394 yards and 17 touchdowns while running for 1,038 yards and 13 TDs this season. Owens is supported by a talented receiving corps, with junior wide receivers Jacques Carter, Emy Louis Jr., and Braylyn Toles having combined for 21 receiving touchdowns. Massillon's defense is equally impressive, with senior defensive end Chase Bond and junior tackle Michael Wright Jr. headlining the front and senior linebacker Dorian Pringle being a standout player.
Nate Moore, Head Coach of Massillon, remains tight-lipped about Pringle's appearance in tonight's game. While rumors of the player's status are rife, nothing has been confirmed yet. Pringle, who was forced to sit out of the regional semifinal against Lake due to an injury, has been one of Massillon's most dominant players this season. With 21.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks to his credit, Pringle has also significantly contributed to the team's offense, scoring 14 TDs primarily in the red zone.
Green Bulldogs: A Formidable Five-Wide Formation
The Massillon Tigers have one of the best defenses in the state, and no one has been able to run the ball effectively against them this season. Meanwhile, Green has relied on Jorden Beyl's impressive running skills, with a three consecutive 100-yard rushing game streak ending against Canal Winchester. To combat Massillon's strong defense, Green will have to rely on their five-wide offense, which proved successful last week in a game where Samino Manson threw for 320 yards and a touchdown. Zach Baglia and Antonio Martin are two of the team's standout players, with Baglia having 70 receptions for 917 yards and 13 touchdowns, while Martin has seven TDs receiving and another five rushing.
On the defensive side, Green has a very good secondary, with senior safety Josh Just and Martin at corner. Massillon must be careful about throwing against the Bulldogs, as Just has picked off a Federal League-high seven passes, and Martin has six interceptions. Throughout the season, junior lineman Mikey Schaal made his presence felt, amassing a total of seven sacks and 16 tackles for loss. His brother, senior Nick Schaal, contributed with ten tackles for loss. Junior linebacker AJ Fortunato has played some physical football in ecent weeks, adding to the team's overall strength on the field.