coyotes22
Two Towns, One Tradition.
Steubenville has often times been called “Little Massillon”, which is comical, as Massillon has often been called “Little Chicago”. Back in the day, these two towns thrived in the Steel Industry, and both had their fair share of mofia connections too. But, what the two towns have more in common with each other is, Football. Football Tradition, that is rich and dates back to the 19[SUP]th[/SUP] Century. Since 1893, Massillon has played 1110 games and has won 826. That leads the State of Ohio in most HS Football games won.
The storied rivalry of Big Red and the Tigers, started in 1930, when Steubenville visited Massillon. It was not good for the Tigers though, as Big Red would out last Massillon and go back to the Ohio River a 19-0 winner. A short excerpt from the Evening Independent from that game:
“WHEN line bucks and end runs failed to bring score in three quarters, Steubenville took to the air in the fourth period of Saturday’s game with Washington high on Massillon field and scored three touchdowns in rapid succession to win its sixth consecutive victory 19-0.
The highly vaunted running attack of the Big Red clicked and clicked smoothly through out the game but once the Tigers were pushed back into their own territory, they bared their fangs and refused to give little ground to the rushes of the visitors. Three times the Big Red was stopped by the Massillon gridders when scoring possibilities were in sight and twice poor passes from center sent the visitors backward when they threatened.
Steubenville the Superior
There never was a doubt as to which team was the stronger. From the opening minutes of play it was only a question to Massillon fans as to how long the orange and black could hold out against its heavier and hard hitting opponent without being scored upon.
Steubenville appeared to be doing most anything it wanted to in its own section of the field but found the going much harder once Massillon territory was reached. On the other hand the Tiger ball carriers for the most part were smothered in their tracks every time they attempted to run with the ball, while their passes were either intercepted or wide of their mark.
For three periods the game progressed in this situation, but every minute saw the orange and black weakening under the attack of the crimson wave from the Ohio River.”
This game would be just the beginning of a storied, and at some times vicious, rivalry, that lasted all most 5 decades before being put on hold, for 40 years. It was almost eerily the same situation as when it all first started in 1930. Only this time, in 2009 when the series was resumed, it was Massillon getting beat IN Steubenville by the Big Red, 13-3.
Steubenville was established in 1897, and they rank 3[SUP]rd[/SUP] in Ohio for most HS Football wins. While SHS sits 20[SUP]th[/SUP] in the Country for all time wins, WHS sits 3[SUP]rd[/SUP]. Between the two schools, they have amassed 31 State Championships, and combined for 1,580 wins in HS Football. But, of all those wins, between the two schools, Massillon leads the series 39-5.
This year, will be like many of the games from the past. Both teams coming in, very successful and with a flawless record. After this Friday night, someone will be leaving Death Valley with their first loss. Both teams will be going into the September 27[SUP]th[/SUP] match-up with high hopes, young players, and plenty of raw talent. In the end, both teams will leave it all out on the field, and it will be one of the hardest hitting most physical games for both squads this year.
This game is shaping up to be a date that gets circled on both fans calendars, a year in advance. For Massillon, every fan looks forward to week 10, but Steubenville week, is becoming just as big again. Even with the “bad blood” that was of old, from the early years, you can still find fans from both teams tailgating before the game, together. It’s always a great pre-game party, and the hype carries right into the stadium, and stays through out the game!
Keys for Massillon this week, will be to clean up the penalties, control the ball and score when given every opportunity. SHS is not a team to take lightly, or expect to let hang around. They will sneak up and bit you hard, and next thing you know, you have a 1 in the “L” column.
Currently the Big Red sits 4[SUP]th[/SUP] in Div IV Reg 13. They have 6.7702 points, 1.47 points out of first, but still comfortably in a playoff spot still. Massillon sits atop Reg 4 of Div II right now going into week 5. They have 9.50 points
Good Luck TIGERS!!! STOMP STEUBENVILLE!!!!
*Stats and other content in this article were used from:
Massillontigers.com
Rollredroll.com
Massillonproud.com
Joeeitel.com
We are on the edge of our seats in anticipation!
I'm moving to Massillon this coming weekend.
Did massilon move to west Virginia?
Nice to see Big Red get out of their comfort zone and schedule a team from the same state.
