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11/30/05

<TABLE class=bg0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=428 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=418>Monday, November 28, 2005</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR><TD width=5></TD><TD width=418>
The Brian Gamble Show
by Mike Parris

For about three quarters, it seemed that I was right on the money as far as predictions go. A low scoring game marked by tough, rugged play in the trenches, big hits from both defenses, and few outstanding athletes from both teams making big plays. Then, as I warned last week, one of the stars began to shine a little brighter.

Brian Gamble, Massillon's all-everything running back/safety, began to separate himself from the pack like a runner at the end of a grueling race. Gamble was all over the field in the fourth quarter, scoring two Tigers' touchdowns, the latter proving to be the game-winner. It was set up by none other than Gamble, who hauled in an improbable 35-yard catch on 3rd and 30 with 2:49 remaining. The budding star finished with 62 yards rushing, 98 yards receiving, two touchdowns and several tackles on defense.

My preview last Thursday mentioned the one-on-one duel that would perhaps materialize between Gamble and St. Edward's Nate Oliver, another fantastic junior two-way playmaker. Oliver, who doubled in both the Eagles' backfield and secondary, had nothing to be ashamed of. The duel-threat was fantastic, especially in the absence of starting running back Frank Edmonds, who left the game early due to injury. Oliver scored the Eagles' first touchdown and was on the field for nearly every play of the game. It was too much, however. Like a heavyweight slugfest, Oliver battled gamely but it was Gamble who landed the final crushing blows in and, in turn, grabbed the victory.

Thinking about this classic game, I could not help but begin to recall a similar game that took place at the same juncture of the season seven years ago in 1998. It was my senior season and St. Ignatius was battling Canton McKinley in the state semifinals. The similiarities are striking: Cuyahoga County's best taking on Stark County's finest, same point of the season, and same breathtaking finish. But moreso I am reminded of a player that suited up for the Bulldogs that night. Like Brian Gamble, another running back/safety was so dynamic he almost single-handedly won the football game. His name? Mike Doss.

Doss took the game into his own hands that chilly November evening, scoring touchdowns, making tackles, and causing turnovers. We all know the success that Doss has gone on to have, from his All-American career at Ohio State to his role with the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. Will Gamble, a strikingly similar player at the high school level, soon be drawing comparisons to Doss? Only time will tell, but he certainly is on his way.

We shall soon see if Gamble and the Tigers can finally reach the summit and stake claim to...
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