CANTON, Ohio — Momentum swung monumentally in the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division IV football state championship, with Clinton-Massie claiming the third state title in school history.

What You Need To Know

  • Clinton-Massie claimed the third state title in school history

  • The Falcons last won an OHSAA football state championship in back-to-back seasons in 2012-13

  • Clinton-Massie gained all but one yard of its total offense (347) on the ground

  • OHSAA championship games continue Friday and Saturday

The Falcons opened with a methodical, 17-play, 75-yard touchdown drive, that ate up 9:13 of clock. It was capped by a two-yard touchdown run from Carson Van Hoose on fourth down.

After that, it was Ursuline’s turn to take control of the game, scoring the next 28 points. Fighting Irish quarterback Brady Shannon completed 15 of 28 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns, while running back DeMarcus McElroy carried 26 times for 157 yards and two scores.

But a 49-yard keeper from Clinton-Massie’s Kody Zantene with less than four minutes remaining in the third quarter cut the lead to 28-14, and more importantly, turned the tide towards the Falcons.

Early in the fourth, offensive lineman Garrett Vance recovered a fumble in the end zone for Clinton-Massie to make the score 28-21.

After forcing an Ursuline punt, the Falcons got the ball back with 7:49 play, and authored a drive that served as a perfect complement to the one it opened with. Taking 7:06 off the clock, Clinton-Massie went 77 yards in 13 plays, pulling to within 28-27 when Zantene scored on fourth and goal from the one-yard line.

Head coach Dan McSurley decided to go for two and the win, and his confidence was rewarded with Van Hoose’s conversion and a 29-28 win.

Clinton-Massie gained all but one yard of its total offense (347) on the ground, with Colton Trampler’s 117 leading the way. Van Hoose added 102, while Zantene gained 85 to go with his two scores.

Also of note, Carter Frank’s 42 rushing yards. That put him over the 1,000-yard mark on the year, joining teammates Van Hoose and Trampler in that club. 

The Falcons last won an OHSAA football state championship in back-to-back seasons in 2012-13.

The first two games have been thrilling, with Winton Woods’ victory over Hoban in the Division II final on Thursday kicking things off. Here are rest of the games on Friday and Saturday, all of which are live on Spectrum News 1, and the Spectrum News App.

Friday 3 p.m.

Division III – Chardon vs. Badin

Friday 7:30 p.m.

Division I – St. Edward vs. Springfield

Saturday 10:30 a.m.

Division VII – Marion Local vs. Newark Catholic

Saturday 3 p.m.

Division VI – Carey vs. Coldwater

Saturday 7:30 p.m.

Division V – Kirtland vs. Versailles