Hoover @ Massillon Washington

Regional Quarterfinal

Canton Repository

SITE: Paul Brown Tiger Stadium, Massillon, OH, 7:00 p.m.

RECORDS: Hoover 7-3, Massillon 9-1.

LAST WEEK: Hoover 10, Jackson 7; McKinley 38, Massillon 8.

LAST MEETING: Massillon won 31-0 in the 2002 playoffs.

PLAYOFF HISTORY: This is Hoover’s 14th appearance, first since 2003. The Vikings are 9-13 in the

postseason. Massillon is making its 15th appearance, the first since 2002. The Tigers are 17-14 in the

postseason.

WHAT TO WATCH: Both teams are nursing injuries. Hoover’s biggest injury is RB Kevin Dahl.

He left the Jackson game with a concussion in the first quarter. Hoover head coach Don Hertler Jr.

said Dahl is doubtful for this game. That means RBs Scott Gnau and Kyle Robbins will get the bulk

of the work. Robbins played well and ran hard against Jackson.

Hoover needs that type of effort again, but the Vikings need it from every starter. WR-DB Matt Wakulchik, who has been banged up, will play. Massillon is banged up, with key players Brian Gamble Shawn Weisend and Andrew Dailey with bumps and bruises. “It’s your normal stuff this time of year, but we’re pretty healthy,” head coach Tom Stacy said. LB Quentin Paulik is questionable.

Massillon’s offense needs to get back on track. The Tigers have scored one offensive TD against Harding and McKinley, two of their toughest challenges.

Hoover’s 5-3 defense will look to pressure Massillon QB Bobby Huth and disrupt his passing lanes and line of sight. If Gamble and the offensive line do not get the ground game going, this will be a close game.

Hoover is coming off it most focused game of the season, and Massillon is coming off its least. “We’re looking for our kids to play as hard as they can every snap,” Hertler said. “Looking at Massillon’s tape against McKinley, I think it’s obvious they didn’t play their best game, but McKinley will do that to you. Massillon has outstanding skill. ... They played a good schedule and it shows on tape why they’re 9-1.” This week is more mental than physical for Massillon.

The Tigers will have more athletes, but how will they respond after their first loss? Look for Massillon to get back to basics on offense and establish a physical running game with Gamble. The Tiger offensive line was manhandled a week ago, so it will be interesting to see how that group responds. Massillon isn’t gifted with a lot of great athletes, but Gamble and Dailey are two of the best in the county, and they didn’t touch the ball enough last week.

Massillon’s secondary needs to redeem itself as well. The Tigers gave up a soft cushion to McKinley, and the Bulldogs tore it apart on short passes. Hoover doesn’t throw a lot of deep routes, but the Vikings will go short and intermediate. “They’re a big challenge,” Hertler said. “... We’re going to do what we’ve done all year: Play hard and be fundamental.”

NETWORK

Massillon Tigers Head Coach,

Tom Stacy.

Hoover Vikings Football

Hoover Vikings Football

Massillon Washington Tigers Game Preview