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10/20/05

Tigers face an Eastlake North offense that will be ready to play

Thursday, October 20, 2005 By Todd Porter Repository sports writer

Repository Ray Stewart Massillon linebacker Quentin Paulik

MASSILLON - Even at 8-0 and ranked No. 3 in the state, Massillon head coach Tom Stacy isn’t above taking advice. So he listened when Eastlake North High School head football coach Nick Toth told Stacy that his 4-4 football team would come ready to play.
Stacy has a message for his team and fans. Don’t think about resting on the Tigers’ laurels now.
Massillon’s 3-4 defense will bring nine straight shutout quarters into this game against a team averaging nearly four touchdowns a game. Eastlake North (4-4) is scoring 38 points the last four weeks from its spread offense.
“If we want a chance to go 10-0, we’ve got to take care of game nine first,” Stacy said. “It’s not just going to happen. That’s why they play the game. Anything can happen. ... We’re not good enough at this point to just show up and beat someone. This isn’t Woodrow Wilson. This is a good football team that can score points.”
Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. Friday at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium.
Massillon would like to take a 9-0 record into next week’s McKinley game. The Tigers have had just two 10-0 seasons in the last 25 years.
But if this story were a part of chatter among coaches, there would be a fine.
“We have a gag order on even talking about game 10,” Stacy said. “It’s not just the players and coaches, it’s a community effort. I don’t want to hear about game 10. We have a good opponent this week against a head coach I have a lot of respect for. We’re expecting their best shot.”
If Eastlake North does score against Massillon, the Rangers will be the first team since Ignatius to score. Ignatius was shut out in the fourth quarter of that game three weeks ago, and neither Woodrow Wilson nor Warren Harding scored. Here’s one reason why: The front seven in Steve Kovac’s 3-4 defense are understanding the scheme.
Outside linebacker Quinten Paulik had his best game a week ago. Linebackers Robert Morris, a captain, and Paris McCall are getting to the ball in a hurry. McCall led Massillon with 17 tackles last week.
But another shut out? North has been shut out twice.
“I’m concerned about defending,” Stacy said. “Coach Toth has been around the block (former Ohio University assistant). This is not a gimme. They’re a good football team.”
While the Massillon defense has played well, the offense could use a bit of a kick start. The Tigers scored just one touchdown against Harding. The other TD came on a blocked punt return.
It was Massillon lowest offensive output of the season. Some of that was Harding. Some was Stacy’s doing. In a tight game, he was more conservative in the second half. It was the first time this season Massillon was held under 300 total yards.
“We’d like to get back to our tempo and rhythm on offense,” Stacy said. “That’s important for us to do as we get into the playoffs.”
Quarterback Bobby Huth returned against Harding after missing a week with a concussion. He was a little rusty, finishing 8-of-12 for 76 yards. He also threw his first interception of the season.
“Bobby needs to get his rhythm and confidence back, and we need to get him in a good flow,” Stacy said.
Running back Brian Gamble scored both Tiger touchdowns last week. He finished with more than 100 yards rushing. Gamble has had 100-plus rushing yards each week, except against Chardon when he carried just eight times. The 6-foot, 190-pounder has 1,010 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Stacy is looking for more from everybody. He is pleased his team has turned around back-to-back 4-6 season to being unbeaten in his first year on the job. He’s looking to reach another level of play.
“If we want to finish strong and play well in the playoffs, we have to continue to improve,” Stacy said. “We ... have a lot of room for improvement. In football, you either get better or get worse. You don’t stay the same. “And we’re not there yet. We’re not at the level of the St. Xaviers or the Glenvilles. Do I think we can get there? Yeah. ... We’re not as good as we need to be to win a state championship.” Reach Repository sports writer Todd Porter at (330) 580-8340 or e-mail: todd.porter@cantonrep.com