Playoffs

[Die Hard Eric]

after six weeks and 3 losses for the Tigers i am very pleased to say that the Playoffs are still in the Tigers future. The teams that we have beat this season are helping our cause. The Tigers currently sit in 9th position and at worst to end this weekend they could be 10th place. The next 4 weeks are going to be very critical for wins, but i am confident we can get it done.

GO TIGERS!!

BEAT BUCHTEL!

-dhe

[allworld]

We are coming...........Go Griffs!!!!!!!

[betsx4]

Like I said in another thread, I believe in this team, and they will make the play-offs, it's just all about improving as the season progresses, and I have faith in Coach Stacy to do that as well.

Not to mention our region is not as strong, considering Perry's one of the top teams, and we bullied them in the scrimmage.

[BigTime]

It starts with Buchtel. Go Tigers!

[CarlE]

Any talk of the playoffs right now and I will go completely OFF. If anyone has ever seen it, when Jim Mora was coaching the Colts somebody asked him about the playoffs. He absolutely blew a freaking gasket over it. Started stuttering "playoffs.....PLAYOFFS?" and starts stammering and spitting around. It's one of the funniest takes I've ever seen, and quite honestly it's about how I would react if somebody today asked me about the PLAYOFFS???

[betsx4]

This isn't the NFL, Carl, and every year Massillon expects the Tigers to make it to the play-offs from June to week 10, thats what the entire regular season is about, getting to the play-offs (and beating that team to the east).Also, it's getting into the 2nd half of the season, and the play-off picture gets closer and closer. That's what these games are for, to win, so we can make it into the play-offs.

Also, it's different for fans talking about play-offs, then a coach and the team. We're not coaches and we're not players. They need to work week to week and concentrate together on what they have to do to win. We don't, so I'm thinkin about the play-off situation EVERY week because one of those weeks could be the fall that keeps us out.

If we don't make it then the season's considered a failure, so to me, the play-off situation is the most important (behind the McK game).

Go Tigers!

[GrowlingTiger87]

We MUST run the table, but it all starts next week. Blast Buchtel!

[TigerswillbeTigers]

I think part of the problem with this teams failures this year is that there was way to much talk about "all of the returning starters", "coach Stacy's 2nd year should be better then his first year because he can put in his entire playbook" (that one really got me considering he took last years team to the Championship game), and that "this years team is a lock to go DEEP in the playoffs again"!
This team isn't good enough right now for the type of talk to continue. This team is obviously having difficulty living up to the hype. This team needs to win 1 game at a time and beat an OHIO team!
I'm glad this team plays 3 other opponents before it has to play McKinley. I for one remember how disgusted I was at the end of game 10 last year and if this staff and players doesn't make some huge changes over the next 3 weeks it's going to be another McKinley slaughter in our house. If you think the Iggy fans were disrespectful, just wait and see what McKinley fan has for us if they knock us out of the playoffs on our own turf :obiefanfire:

[ChronicTiger]

This is for my boy CarlE...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGrewst9tnM&search=jim+mora

[Kamd50]

If you think the Iggy fans were disrespectful, just wait and see what McKinley fan has for us if they knock us out of the playoffs on our own turf :obiefanfire:[/QUOTE]
The very thought of that sickens me.

[CarlE]

This isn't the NFL, Carl, and every year Massillon expects the Tigers to make it to the play-offs from June to week 10, thats what the entire regular season is about, getting to the play-offs (and beating that team to the east).Also, it's getting into the 2nd half of the season, and the play-off picture gets closer and closer. That's what these games are for, to win, so we can make it into the play-offs.

Also, it's different for fans talking about play-offs, then a coach and the team. We're not coaches and we're not players. They need to work week to week and concentrate together on what they have to do to win. We don't, so I'm thinkin about the play-off situation EVERY week because one of those weeks could be the fall that keeps us out.

If we don't make it then the season's considered a failure, so to me, the play-off situation is the most important (behind the McK game).

Go Tigers!

Thanks for the lesson on the mentality of Massillon football. I've only been a fan now for 40 some years. I understand what the mentality of the fans are. That's the damn problem. The fans need to take a step back. The remainder of this season can now be boiled down to one thought. ONE GAME AT A TIME, heck one PLAY at a time. Anything else is just stupid conjecture.

[CarlE]

Chronic:

I forgot to thank you. Gosh, that clip NEVER fails to crack me up. Too dang funny.

[Obie Wan]

I think part of the problem with this teams failures this year is that there was way to much talk about "all of the returning starters"
That was talk begat of ignorance. We only returned about 4 starters on O and 3 on D.

This team is obviously having difficulty living up to the hype.
That's more of a problem with the level of the hype. You can't fault the team because they fail to live up to unrealistic expectations. There was some more sober and reasoned assessment that was a little more in line with what we're now seeing.

[MR EMPTY PANTS]

after six weeks and 3 losses for the Tigers i am very pleased to say that the Playoffs are still in the Tigers future. The teams that we have beat this season are helping our cause. The Tigers currently sit in 9th position and at worst to end this weekend they could be 10th place. The next 4 weeks are going to be very critical for wins, but i am confident we can get it done.

GO TIGERS!!

BEAT BUCHTEL!

-dhe

even if we some how sneak in the playoffs it will be an early exit anyway. i`m sorry this team is mediocre at best and no where close to the toughness or talent of last years team. face facts the odds of making it back to fawcett for the title game are about 1 in 1,000,000. any of you who think otherwise are dreaming.

[CarlE]

I don't want to be THAT negative, Empty Pants. I just don't think we should be talking about anything except the next game. PLAYOFFS????

[DELTA FORCE]

Any talk of the playoffs right now and I will go completely OFF. If anyone has ever seen it, when Jim Mora was coaching the Colts somebody asked him about the playoffs. He absolutely blew a freaking gasket over it. Started stuttering "playoffs.....PLAYOFFS?" and starts stammering and spitting around. It's one of the funniest takes I've ever seen, and quite honestly it's about how I would react if somebody today asked me about the PLAYOFFS???
So, what do you think about the playoffs?

[DAWGH8R]

Any talk of the playoffs right now and I will go completely OFF. If anyone has ever seen it, when Jim Mora was coaching the Colts somebody asked him about the playoffs. He absolutely blew a freaking gasket over it. Started stuttering "playoffs.....PLAYOFFS?" and starts stammering and spitting around. It's one of the funniest takes I've ever seen, and quite honestly it's about how I would react if somebody today asked me about the PLAYOFFS???


CarlE,

I just posted that last week! I love that clip.

PS. I called you from the tailgate yesterday, were you screening?? :doh2:

[Big Fan Van]

If you think the Iggy fans were disrespectful, just wait and see what McKinley fan has for us if they knock us out of the playoffs on our own turf :obiefanfire:
The very thought of that sickens me.[/QUOTE]


If you remember Massillon was ranked oh so high in the polls before the season even started. You never had to hear the OVERRATED chant. Now presently, Massillon has yet to beat a team from OHIO this year. Not too many people are going to put that one together, so I doubt very seriously if you'll hear anything about that. So based on everything by the week 10 comes I really dont think McK fans are going to have much to say. Based on Massillon will beat SOMEONE from Ohio by then. Most McK fans were positive we would beat Massillon in the rubber bowl. Did'nt happen though. So im sure most fans will be more on the quiet side for fear of eating crow if Massillon ends up winning this time too. Just my opinion, sorry if I offended anyone.

[DAWGH8R]

With Buchtel and Cincy Western Hills on the schedule, you'll hear none of the 0 for Ohio chant. :afro:

[Tiger Flame]

Any help that we can get to make the playoffs, we will take and Woodson rolls to another victory over Cardozo 34-0 to give them a 4-2 record. I think they are going to finish 8-2 and that would be great. We must take one game at a time and focus on Buchtel as that is all that matters this week. GO TIGERS BEAT BUCHTEL

[Guardblack]

I agree - one game at a time. Now, only listening to Massillon football from another state (Colorado) it has me wondering about the math: Since Massillon is 9th in the computer polls and McKinley is the only opponent left on their schedule that is ahead of them....Buchtel is Division III....If they win out.....will they get that many points from their opponents to make that much of a difference?

Bleeding Black and Orange and a little bit of Green and White (Central Catholic)

[Tiger Flame]

Without going into a lot of detail about how the computer works Guardblack,if the Tigers win out,they will definitely make the playoffs. What the Tigers must do is starting this week is keep getting better and better as a team as to do well when they reach the playoffs or it will be a early exit. GO TIGERS BEAT BUCHTEL---STAY FOCUSED

[longtimefirsttime]

Face facts the odds of making it back to fawcett for the title game are about 1 in 1,000,000. any of you who think otherwise are dreaming.

I prefer to look at it this way. Their odds were 1 in 116 when the season began. It's now about 1 in 60. One game at a time.

[TigerCarl]

As far as the playoffs go, we're still alive. However, we're also almost dead. One more loss, and we're out of it.

But keep the faith, gang. If we're able to straighten up a couple of problem areas, we can beat anyone. And I mean anyone. Do not count us out of the championship game. Not yet.

We're playing even with these teams statistically. If we converted more drives into TDs, we'd be defeating teams like Iggy and Mentor.

Anyhoo, get out and support the team. Show them you still believe in them.


Go Tigers! Run the table!

[mike_da_man13]

As far as the playoffs go, we're still alive. However, we're also almost dead. One more loss, and we're out of it.

But keep the faith, gang. If we're able to straighten up a couple of problem areas, we can beat anyone. And I mean anyone. Do not count us out of the championship game. Not yet.

We're playing even with these teams statistically. If we converted more drives into TDs, we'd be defeating teams like Iggy and Mentor.

Anyhoo, get out and support the team. Show them you still believe in them.


Go Tigers! Run the table!
this isnt true massillon can afford to lose one more game
depends on which one it is though massillon if they lose one more game should end up with about 21.44 points if that loss is to mck which puts them into the playoffs and in some years puts them into a home game

[longtimefirsttime]

Just for fun I took a look at the current top 12 teams in region two. The first set of numbers are their current record. The second set is their opponent composite record through the first six weeks. The third set is the composite record of the opponents they have yet to play in the regular season.

1 Fremont Ross 6-0, 19-15, 8-16

2 Brunswick 6-0, 16-19, 9-13

3 McKinley 6-0, 16-16, 15-9

4 Perry 6-0, 14-22, 16-8

5 Tol. St. Johns 5-1, 16-18, 14-9

6 Elyria 5-1, 17-19, 10-12

7 Jackson 4-2, 22-14, 19-5

8 Medina 3-3, 24-10, 14-10

9 Massillon 3-3, 25-8, 14-8

10 Hudson 4-2, 17-19, 15-9

11 Perrysburg 4-2, 19-17, 10-14

12 Tol. Whitmer 4-2, 19-16, 17-7


Based on the remaining games (on composite record alone) it looks like Jackson, Whitmer and Perry would have the toughest road. Fremont Ross, Brusnswick, Elyria and Perrysburg would have the easiest. Massillon would be somewhere in the middle. Before ObieWan jumps on me, I realize that a ton of points remain to be received and these numbers can only be used in a general sense. Second level points will be a huge factor for many teams, including Massillon. Who knew that the games against Woodson and North Park Canada would be so important?

[Obie Wan]

Hmm...

Ross, Brunswick, Elyria, and McKinley look to cruise into the playoffs.

St. John's has yet to beat a team with a winning record, and the teams that they've beaten are in league play where they're going to start losing to each other. They will probably lose to TCC in week 10. At 8-2, they'll have somewhere between 21 and 22 points. Historically, that puts them in at the bottom. If St. John's also loses to DeSales in week 9, they'll drop to less than 19 points and likely out of the picture.

Medina will probably lose to Elyria in week 10, if not not before. At 6-4, a rough guess gives them between 19 and 20 points. They're likely gone.

I can't see Hudson winning out. They're not that good, and Mayfield, Nordonia, and even Twinsburg could knock them off. They probably won't have the L2's to survive a third loss.

Perrysburg has played some bad teams, and their L2's are going to start dropping. Moreover, there's a good chance that they'll lose to either Wayne or Southview. That will kill them even if the low L2's don't.

Whitmer has St. John's and TCC left. Stranger things have happened, but I'd bet on at least one loss and see ya.

This leaves us with 4 or 5 teams in, and Perry, Jackson, and Hoover left to be considered.

We know that McKinley, Perry, and Jackson will have 3 more losses between them by the end of the year. If things go according to form, both Perry and Jackson will lose to McKinley.

There are about a billion scenarios with Hoover, Perry, and Jackson. We know that they have losses coming up, as they all play each other in the next few weeks. We really want to see Fitch win the next two weeks. That would be a fourth loss for Jackson (counting McKinley) and a third for Hoover.

If Jackson and Hoover both beat Perry, that leaves Perry at 7-3 at best. They don't have many L2's in the pipeline, so they won't be sitting very pretty if that happens.

If Jackson then beats Hoover, you'll have the three Fed schools (7-3 Perry, 6-4 Jackson, and 6-4 Hoover) scrambling to sneak in.

If this all comes to pass, I'd feel real good about Massillon's chances even at 6-4 with 21+ points.

Of course, the Tigers control their own destiny. If we win the next 4, it doesn't matter what these other guys do. We'll have 27+ points and an inside track on a home game.

It's up to the team if they want to try to sneak in the back door or just kick the front door down.

[longtimefirsttime]

I knew you would give it a more complex look. As you've stated the Federal League will likely not have three teams qualify in region two. My opinion is it will be McKinley and Perry. Hoover would have to beat Perry and Jackson in consecutive weeks. Jackson has Perry, McKinley and Hoover to finish the year (and their season in my opinion).

[Red50Go]

F(orget) the playoffs! We need to win 1 game. Period. Just beat Buchtel then take it from there.

If you want to talk about playoffs, or winning the region, or winning a state title, at this point, then your orange colored glasses are so thick you must be blind.

The D-Line cant get off blocks, the LB's cant get to the ballcarrier, and the O cant score points. But other than that I LOVE our chances.

[Guardblack]

Well then...

Thanks for the information. :stars:

I think I'll just stick with playing one game at a time.

Bleeding Black and Orange and a little bit of Green and White (Central Catholic)

[MSmitty0720]

even if we some how sneak in the playoffs it will be an early exit anyway. i`m sorry this team is mediocre at best and no where close to the toughness or talent of last years team. face facts the odds of making it back to fawcett for the title game are about 1 in 1,000,000. any of you who think otherwise are dreaming.

this team has plenty talent Empty Pants it is just the matter of making "it" work together, we have the potential to do anything when we can get "it" going

LETS GET ITTTTTTTTTT:gogogo:

[Fats]

this team has plenty talent Empty Pants it is just the matter of making "it" work together, we have the potential to do anything when we can get "it" going

LETS GET ITTTTTTTTTT:gogogo:

I agree with you MSmitty0720. I see great potential in this team. GO TIGERS

[jbones]

The only way we can showcase this talent is by letting them play next friday night against Buctel. The coaches are starting to use Justin Turner alot more on offense, I wanna see him split out as a WR , so we can spread out the defense alot more with his speed . So i would like to see sum more younger guys get in and see the oline improve , so we can make a run into the playoffs.

[Obie Wan]

It's also important to look behind the record a little bit.

Massillon's 3 losses have been to teams with three losses between them. One of those losses was Iggy over Mentor (so someone was going to lose), and Moeller's two losses have been by one point each. Point being, they're not losing to bad teams.

Next, look at how they've actually played in those games. Moeller outgained Massillon by only 7 yards (although they had a big edge in return yards). Mentor outgained Massillon by only 5 yards, but Massillon had the edge when considering return yards. Massillon outgained Iggy by 60 yards (even with Merletti's 3 big plays) and had 8 more first downs. In spite of Merletti's 79 yard INT return, Massillon still had more total yards.

The point here is that Massillon is not getting blown out. In spite of their well-documented troubles with their offensive and defensive fronts, what's really killing the Tigers is a small number of big mistakes at inopportune times (blown call, stupid penalty, and fumble at Mentor; dropped TD pass and muffed punt vs. Iggy, etc.) There's no way to quantify this, but my feeling is that these mistakes are having more serious consequences than they usually do. It seems like every time they make a mistake it either takes point off the board for Massillon or gives points to the opposition.

The last four teams that Massillon played are all better than each of the next three teams they play. Even if Massillon doesn't get any better, they should be 6-3 coming into McKinley. And frankly, Moeller, Hamilton, Mentor, and Iggy may all be better than McKinley as well. Predicting that game is never a smart move, but I would say that McKinley shouldn't be a big favorite just because of their record.

The bottom line is this: Massillon should get into the playoffs. And once they're there, nobody should write them off. They're a few bad breaks and brain cramps away from being a much better team than we've seen so far.

[jbones]

That may be true, but you still cant overlook both buctel and warren harding they might be havin subpar years, but they r still tough. I think we can make it to the playoffs by solving sum of the problems on both the lines on defense and offense. You can't win too many games by having a 350-360 offensive lineman on the backside of the quarterback when hes passing cuz you darn well know that just about anyone can get by a 350 pound lineman.

I was wandering wat ever to nate heimann on defense. He started the first three games and now he is just standing there. he has good speed for a delineman and he goes a hundred and fifty miles an hour every play. I would like for them to put emery back at nose and nate at the end next game to see if helpsany. I just wanna see the adjustments they are gonna make when they play next friday night

[tiger4life]

Like I said in another thread, I believe in this team, and they will make the play-offs, it's just all about improving as the season progresses, and I have faith in Coach Stacy to do that as well.

Not to mention our region is not as strong, considering Perry's one of the top teams, and we bullied them in the scrimmage.

Don't take Perry lightly. They have improved as the the season has gone on. They have beat some pretty good teams and are undefeated. They will get a gut check against McKinley.

[allworld]

With Buchtel and Cincy Western Hills on the schedule, you'll hear none of the 0 for Ohio chant. :afro:
Why, are you saying that The Griffs will go down the week?

[PainlessPaulus]

And if Region 1 plays Region 4 then we could have a easier path to the Championship game.

[allworld]

I love the way you guys are talking about the playoffs and looking past Buchtel. Maybe the team and coaching staff is doing the same thing!

Go Griffs!!!!!

Go Bees!!!!!!

[DAWGH8R]

Hello ALLWORLD !!!

You been absent for quite some time !! I have great respect for the Buchtel team!! The coach is another issue.

I love the blue collar work ethic of your team !!

However, the Griffs got off to a WAY bad start this year! That 0 - 3 start hurts bad. You guys are 3 -3 , and the 3 teams you beat , have a total of 3 wins collectively on the year.

Wins over Shaker, North and Kenmore aren't very impressive. I thought that Warren would be a win for you guys.

With all that factored in, I don't see the Tigers losing this week. However, if we play like we did in Cincy, you can chalk one up in the WIN column!

Either way, good luck, and stop by the tailgate and check in with us !!:gogogo:

[BigTime]

I love the way you guys are talking about the playoffs and looking past Buchtel. Maybe the team and coaching staff is doing the same thing!

Go Griffs!!!!!

Go Bees!!!!!!

How are these mutually exclusive? To make the palyoffs we MUST beat Buchtel.

[Banks]

You guts are 3 -3 , and the 3 teams you beat , have a total of 3 wins collectively on the year.

ys.




North Park (ON) (3-2)
Howard D. Woodson (DC) (4-2)
Hamilton (AZ) (4-1)

[BigTime]

It's also important to look behind the record a little bit.

Massillon's 3 losses have been to teams with three losses between them. One of those losses was Iggy over Mentor (so someone was going to lose), and Moeller's two losses have been by one point each. Point being, they're not losing to bad teams.

Next, look at how they've actually played in those games. Moeller outgained Massillon by only 7 yards (although they had a big edge in return yards). Mentor outgained Massillon by only 5 yards, but Massillon had the edge when considering return yards. Massillon outgained Iggy by 60 yards (even with Merletti's 3 big plays) and had 8 more first downs. In spite of Merletti's 79 yard INT return, Massillon still had more total yards.

The point here is that Massillon is not getting blown out. In spite of their well-documented troubles with their offensive and defensive fronts, what's really killing the Tigers is a small number of big mistakes at inopportune times (blown call, stupid penalty, and fumble at Mentor; dropped TD pass and muffed punt vs. Iggy, etc.) There's no way to quantify this, but my feeling is that these mistakes are having more serious consequences than they usually do. It seems like every time they make a mistake it either takes point off the board for Massillon or gives points to the opposition.

The last four teams that Massillon played are all better than each of the next three teams they play. Even if Massillon doesn't get any better, they should be 6-3 coming into McKinley. And frankly, Moeller, Hamilton, Mentor, and Iggy may all be better than McKinley as well. Predicting that game is never a smart move, but I would say that McKinley shouldn't be a big favorite just because of their record.

The bottom line is this: Massillon should get into the playoffs. And once they're there, nobody should write them off. They're a few bad breaks and brain cramps away from being a much better team than we've seen so far.

Outstanding analysis!:trophy:

[Die Hard Eric]

without a win over Buchtel none of this will be possible.

one game at a time TIGERS!!!

BEAT BUCHTEL

-dhe

[#56tigerdad]

Nice analysis Obiewan!! I was wondering when somebody was going to realize this years schedule is alot tougher then last years. I still believe this team will take care of business the rest of the year!!!

[allworld]

In spite of their well-documented troubles with their offensive and defensive fronts........

This might be a big, huge problem for you guys.......Ted Jones is a monster that might exploit the O-line! Our defense has been pretty solid all year. The offense is another story...........We have a good back, great receivers and a QB with a good arm. We just can't score!!!!!!!!!!

Go Griffs!!!!!!!

Go Bees!!!!!!!

[Kamd50]

It won't be a cakewalk, but Massillon WILL beat Buchtel this weekend!

[actoral]

The difference between an optimist and a pessimist : They are wrong about same number of times, but the optimist has a lot more fun !!! Keep the faith and hope the TIGERS will come through. GO TIGERS beat Buchtel !

[BigTime]

This might be a big, huge problem for you guys.......Ted Jones is a monster that might exploit the O-line! Our defense has been pretty solid all year. The offense is another story...........We have a good back, great receivers and a QB with a good arm. We just can't score!!!!!!!!!!

Go Griffs!!!!!!!

Go Bees!!!!!!!

Hopefully our players are up to the challenge of playing against the powerhouse which is the Akron Buchtel Griffins.

Go Tigers! Get those Griffs!

[monte81]

The schedule is brutal and the only team in the state with a comparable schedule is Moeller! We will make the playoffs and it starts friday against Butchell!! We need to forget about Moe, mentor, and iggy games and focus on the right now!!

[giant lugey]

I think we have one of the most talented teams in our region...certainly in the top 8. This reminds me of 2002 when we had an excellent team and barely got in because our schedule was too weak. Now we have a good team, and we sweating because our schedule is too tough.
One thing is for sure, failing to make the playoffs is going to bring out the Pro Division II people and the Pro Federal League people.

[longtimefirsttime]

One thing is for sure, failing to make the playoffs is going to bring out the Pro Division II people and the Pro Federal League people.

They're already out. Three losses will do that. We'll have plenty of time to talk about that stuff. But we as fans must show we haven't given up on the kids THIS season.

[DAWGH8R]

The FED people have been out for years. I guess the warm fuzzy feeling of the STATE TITLE run of '05 is over !!:cool:

[monte81]

The FED people have been out for years. I guess the warm fuzzy feeling of the STATE TITLE run of '05 is over !!:cool:

i really dont think its a wrap for the playoffs and a run at the title! We need to get some things corrected and that will start this week! I have the faith that we can get it done!!!

[MUCSteelers5xSuperChamp]

The first quarter is going to be the most important quarter of this game. If Massillon can find a way to score first, that will get the crowd quickly into the game.

Finishing strong will be very important for the three-time Division I state finalists.

There is a nugget driving the seniors on the team: they were sophomores when Akron Buchtel left Paul Brown Tiger Stadium with a 33-20 win over the Tigers. Another nugget is that Claude Brown, the Griffins head coach is a graduate of a school I promised CarlE I would not bring up unless it was in the general forum.

Massillon's three keys to beating Buchtel are in my opinion:

1) Score first and set the tone for the game. Massillon has scored first in five of their six games this season.

2) Time of possession. Massillon had a 2-1 edge in time of possession against St. Ignatius last week and they are sound at controlling the clock. If they can sustain drives of five or 10 minutes, they will be fine.

3) Force the black and white to throw the ball. If Massillon can suck the Griffins into a throwing game, it will work to Massillon's advantage but Massillon must have a two-score lead at least in the opening quarter for that to happen. Massillon has DB's capable of getting their hands on the ball and fans have seen that this year.