Massillon Tigers football focuses on Warren Harding with Canton McKinley on the horizon
MASSILLON — Don't expect the Massillon Tigers to be caught looking ahead to their biggest high school football rival next week. Another rival is in town this Friday.
Warren Harding (4-4) is the second oldest rivalry for the Tigers (8-0) and will be the final tune-up ahead of next Saturday's annual Week 10 showdown with McKinley.
The Raiders will come to Paul Brown Tiger Stadium with momentum on their side. Coming off a 24-21 victory over Mooney, the Raiders have won three straight after a 1-4 start.
“We've got to have a good week of preparation,” Massillon coach Nate Moore said earlier in the week. “Warren is a good football team. They’ve won three in a row. The biggest thing that stands out about them is their speed all over the field in all skilled positions. All the linebackers … everyone they put on the field can run and they got some guys that can really, really run. We have a great challenge on our hands, especially our skill positions, matching speed for speed.”
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Massillon has won in seven straight meetings against Warren.
This also will be Massillon’s last regular-season home game (though more home games likely await in the playoffs). The Tigers have won 13 straight home games. For Massillon's 24 seniors, such as starting center Brady Jones, this is a big night.
“The thing I’m going to remember the most is just probably the discipline that football put in my head,” Jones said. “It is something that you can’t really gain just from going to school every day and just like working. Football, in the discipline aspect, is amazing for kids to be hard working and show up every day.”
Warren Harding football players to watch
Ryan Powell, RB/LB
This year was Powell's first season as a full-time linebacker. The 6-foot, 215-pound Powell is a hard-nosed performer both sides of the field. With his size, he is effective in the backfield. He runs with power, is solid on pass protection, and can make plays in the passing game. Powell currently has eight Division I college offers, which include ACC schools such as Boston College, Syracuse and Duke.
Chaz Coleman, quarterback
At 6-3, 175 pounds, Coleman is a dynamic quarterback who can make plays inside and outside the pocket. Coleman led Harding with two rushing TDs and a passing TD against Mooney.
Ny’sier Coleman, edge rusher
Ny’sier Coleman is a speedy pass rusher with size (6-4, 210). He is explosive coming off the ball. He has a Youngstown State offer. Coleman vs. Massillon left tackle Nolan Davenport will be a key matchup.
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This article originally appeared on The Repository: Massillon Tigers high school football focuses on Warren Harding
