Big Walnut Defeats Massillon in Rain-Soaked Division II Championship

The Big Walnut Golden Eagles emerged victorious over the Massillon Tigers with a 14-7 win in the Division II, Region 7 championship game held at Mansfield High School on Friday night. The match was played under difficult weather conditions, with rain and wind impacting both teams’ play.

Big Walnut managed to hold Massillon’s advances as time expired, with their defense successfully tackling the Tigers’ ball carrier near midfield after Jalen Slaughter, Massillon’s quarterback, was forced to opt for a short pass. The game concluded with the Golden Eagles securing a narrow victory.

Throughout the contest, Massillon battled penalties and missed opportunities. Deontay Malone’s catch brought Massillon to the 48-yard line, but a false start penalty disrupted their momentum. False starts were a recurring issue for Massillon, accumulating several such penalties during the game, which hindered their progress and opportunities to score.

Big Walnut capitalized on special teams and defensive plays to maintain their edge. Notably, Brody Hatfield’s interception of Slaughter with just over two minutes left on the clock proved crucial. The interception positioned the Golden Eagles strategically to maintain their lead.

Earlier in the second half, Nolan Buirley’s electrifying 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown gave Big Walnut a lead that they would not relinquish. Buirley’s run dismantled Massillon’s special teams, igniting the Eagles’ spirits as they pressed on through the stormy conditions.

Coach Jason Jarvis of Massillon reflected on the impact of penalties and weather challenges. «The elements today were tough and penalty issues made it difficult for us to maintain drives,» Jarvis stated post-game.

Big Walnut, led by Coach Brett Glass, will advance, buoyed by their resilient performance under challenging conditions. The Golden Eagles’ victory marks another step towards their state championship aspirations, as they displayed determination and efficient gameplay in securing this win over a formidable rival.