Massillon is set to face Columbus St. Francis DeSales in a pivotal OHSAA Division II high school football regional semifinal. The match will take place tonight with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. at a Columbus venue.
Matchup Overview
The Massillon Tigers, seeded No. 3, have an impressive record of 8-3 after decisively defeating the Hoover Vikings 62-7 in their playoff opener. Conversely, the No. 2 seed DeSales Stallions enter the game with a record of 9-2, following a narrow victory over Ashland, winning 33-29.
Key Players to Watch
- Savior Owens – Massillon’s standout running back had an explosive performance last week, rushing for over 100 yards in the first quarter alone.
- Anthony McMullen Jr. – The Tigers’ running back has already scored multiple touchdowns in the playoff.
- RJ Day – The DeSales quarterback, son of Ohio State’s Ryan Day, has been impressive, throwing for 482 yards in the previous game.
Previous Game Highlights
In their previous match, Massillon demonstrated a strong running game, with Owens scoring a 22-yard touchdown on their first drive. McMullen followed up with a 13-yard touchdown run, giving the Tigers a commanding lead early in the game.
Defensively, Massillon showcased its prowess with a critical interception by Zay-shawn Murray, further asserting their dominance over DeSales.
Future Prospects
The winner of the Massillon versus DeSales game will advance to face either the Sunbury Big Walnut or Canal Winchester in the following round of the playoffs, set for next Friday. This matchup further heightens the stakes for both teams.
Important Statistics
| Team | Record | Recent Game Result |
|---|---|---|
| Massillon Tigers | 8-3 | Won against Hoover 62-7 |
| Columbus DeSales Stallions | 9-2 | Won against Ashland 33-29 |
Fans can follow the game live for scores and highlights on El-Balad. With both teams showcasing outstanding talent, tonight’s matchup promises to be an exciting contest.
