The Massillon and McKinley is one the nation’s biggest high school football rivalries. According the USA Today, it is one of America’s Most Famous High School Football Rivalry. Since 1894, Massillon and McKinley have battled it out for the Steam Engine 922 Locomotion Bell. In the 127 games between the two rivalries, Massillon leads with 69 wins to McKinley’s 53.

MVP

Keyshawn Watson

Massillon

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Ben Brahler

Massillon

Ben is a 4 year member of the Massillon Tiger Football and baseball teams. He was 2015 defensive scout team Player of the Year. He was a delegate for HOBY & Buckeye Boys State as well as the Recipient of the west Point Leadership Award. He is a member of the National Honors Society and National Tech Honor Society where he serves as Vice President. He plans to attend Ohio University or Ohio State University and pursue a degree in Business and Sports Management.

Isaiah Hunter

McKinley

Isaiah is a 2-year letterman in football and a 4-year letterman in track. He has held lead or supporting lead roles in McKinley’s last 4 musical performances. He is McKinley’s Senior Class President and plans to go to college with a pre-med major and become a plastic surgeon or cardiologist.

HALL OF FAME

Justin Zwick

Massillon

Justin will tell you what an honor it is to be a part of the rich history between the Massillon Tigers and the Canton McKinley Bulldogs. In his high school years at Massillon he was a two time All-Ohioan and owned many Tigers passing record with 772 career passes, 437 competitions, and 63 touchdowns. He is proud to say he and his teammates defeated the Bulldogs their junior and twice their senior year in which he accounted for over 600 yards and 6 touchdowns. Justin accepted a full ride scholarship to play at The Ohio State Buckeyes where he started as a sophomore until and injury sidelined him. Just now lives in Columbus area with this wife Ellen. He is involved in the community through helping with fund raisers, especially the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer. He owns a health care business and does weekly Ohio State Huddle Network podcast during the football season. Justin would like to thank all of the Massillon supporters, former teammates, high school staff and coaches for the wonderful memories he has of being a part of the Massillon Tiger family.

Larry Clayton

McKinley

Larry played in the McKinley-Massillon rivalry in 1965 & 1966 as a fullback, leading the Bulldogs to victory in 1966, when he carried 9 times for 68 yards on a single scoring drive. Larry graduated as McKinley’s 2nd all-time leading rusher and earned All-County and 2nd Team All-Ohio honors for the season, then continued his education and football career at Arizona Western University. A life-long resident of Canton, this retiree of Aultman Hospital and 1992 McKinley Football Hall of Fame Inductee is a loving father of 2, and grandfather of 6.

GAME SUMMARY

The Great American Rivalry Series MVP Keyshawn Watson ran for 167 yards on 31 carries and scored the clinching touchdown in the fourth quarter in help the Tigers improve to 8-2. The Tigers scored quickly at the beginning of the game but it didn’t take McKinley long to respond. With Dominique Robinson as their quarterback, McKinley was able to go into the locker room at the half with a 13-7 lead over the Tigers. In the second half both defenses stayed strong but it was Massillon who took control and won the game in a thrilling 21-19.