In Canton, OH football is so precious, newborn babies are given tiger stuffed animals by the athletic director and head coach of Massillon High School – literally every child! The 2015 meeting of McKinley v Massillon was the 126th rivalry matchup that began in 1894 (Massillon-68; McKinley-52; Ties-5), and showcased talent like Pro Football Hall of Famers Marion Motley and Paul Brown.

MVP

Dominique Robinson

McKinley

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Casey Thomas

McKinley

Casey is a two-year letter-winner for the varsity football and swimming and diving team, and three-year captain on the girls’ soccer team. Casey is also a member of the National Honor Society and plans to attend UNC-Wilmington to play soccer and pursue a degree in kinesiology and health sciences.

Todd Fichter

Massillon

Todd is a captain for the Tigers that carries a 4.0 GPA, and is also a 2015 West Point Leadership Award recipient. Todd is a lifelong member of St. Barbara Catholic Church in Massillon, and a proud product of Joel & Christine Fichter. In the fall Todd is planning to attend college.

HALL OF FAME

Phil Martin

McKinley

Bio – Phil played in the McKinley-Massillon rivalry in 1955 & 1956 as a halfback, leading the Bulldogs to victories in both games. In the 1956 game, Phil scored 3 TD’s in the first half, with scoring runs of 55 and 77 yards. For the game, he finished with 191 yards on 15 carries earning All-County and 2nd Team All-Ohio honors for the season. Phil says, “Go Pups!”

John Mulbach

Massillon

John played in three games against the McKinley Bulldogs during his high school years. John had an interception in the final game that year at Fawcett, while playing linebacker. He went on to play college football at Ohio State, sharing a Buckeye Big Ten and National Championship with two former Bulldogs – Jim & Nick Roman.

GAME SUMMARY

This year’s game was possibly the most significant since the teams began the gridiron feud due to two factors: McKinley had lost the last four years, a first in the rivalry series; the last game to be played in the “Fawcett” HOF Stadium before it’s renovations. McKinley High pulled out the 30-28 victory with a final touchdown by MVP #18 Dominique Robinson with 00:32 seconds in play! Some 10,000 spectators turned out for this final rivalry game despite the heavy construction on now, Tom Benson Stadium, rebuilding the entire Away Side stands.