SUNBURY — Big Walnut and Massillon Washington have provided postseason cinema over the past five years.
But it was the Tigers who walked away with bragging rights Friday night in the latest installment of playoff history between the two programs, shutting out the Golden Eagles 21-0.
Friday’s Division II regional semifinal marked the fifth time the two powerhouse programs have met in the past six postseasons. Massillon was victorious in 2021 and 2022. Big Walnut won the past two (2024 and 2025), including last year’s 27-21 matchup in the regional final.
A defensive stalemate in the first half saw a pair of missed field goals (Big Walnut 41-yard attempt, Massillon’s from 45).
But Tigers’ coach Nate Moore was unfazed by the blank halftime scoreboard. Moore said it was the product of “two good teams doing battle.”
“A lot of respect for that program and the kids and how hard they play,” he said of Big Walnut.
The Tigers (11-1) found the end zone via a 42-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Rasmus Haines to senior receiver Giorgio Jackson Jr. to open scoring at the seven-minute mark of the third quarter.
Big Walnut coach Curtis Crager cited the score as the turning point in the game.
“I think after that things started to unravel a bit,” Crager said. “But I’m not taking anything away from our guys. They fought hard, played hard. They just came up short tonight.”
Five minutes later, sophomore running back Gary Yeager scored his first of two TDs to make it a two-score game with 90 seconds to play in the third quarter. Yeager scored again (a 19-yard TD run) with 8:49 remaining to make it 21-0 Tigers.
Moore highlighted the production from both of the Tigers’ featured backs — Yeager and senior Savior Owens.
“It’s an incredible one-two punch,” he said.
Massillon will clash next week with Bishop Watterson (11-0) for a regional title. The Eagles, winners of their last 41 games, defeated New Albany 45-12 in Friday’s regional semi.
“They (Watterson) are as good a team as there is in the state of Ohio,” Moore said. “They haven’t lost in like 30 years, so we’ll have our hands full this week.”
Photos by Hayden Gray
Emotional end to Golden Eagles’ season
Big Walnut (11-1) took the field Friday without its starting QB Eli Stumpf, who was injured Nov. 6 in the second half of a win over seventh-seeded Louisville.
Stumpf, committed to Michigan State, had accounted for 2,165 yards and 27 touchdowns through the air this season. On the ground he added 456 yards rushing and five scores on 82 carries.
In his stead Friday was senior tight end Jackson Bowers. Senior running back Nolan Buirley, a Northwestern commit, also took some direct snaps.
Crager said it hurt to lose a phenomenal athlete such as Bowers at tight end and on the defensive line in a game with stakes so high.
“It’s hard to make that transition this late in the year,” he said.
Crager highlighted the community’s support of the program throughout the season. He said the bond between players is also a strength within the program.
“I tell them all the time love is the most powerful force in this world and they do. They love each other, they love this program and they love working hard,” the coach said. “When you have that, a team with less talent can do a lot of great things.”
Photos by Hayden Gray
