If you spend five minutes in Stark County, Ohio, you’ll hear about the "City of Champions." Usually, people are talking about the Massillon Tigers—the powerhouse with the 24 state titles and the bronze statue of Paul Brown. But just a few miles down the road, there’s a different kind of noise. It’s the sound of a program that has spent decades proving it belongs in the same breath as the giants.
Massillon Perry Panthers football isn't just a "neighborhood rival."
Honestly, it’s one of the most resilient programs in the state. While the Tigers get the national documentaries and the flash, the Panthers have built a culture on grit, wing-T concepts, and a refusal to be intimidated by their more famous neighbors. You've probably heard the name, but there is a lot more to this program than just being "the other Massillon team."
The Keith Wakefield Legacy and the Identity of Perry Football
You can't talk about Perry without mentioning Keith Wakefield. Basically, he’s the architect. Before Wakefield took over in the early 80s, the Panthers were struggling to find their footing. He didn't just win games; he installed a philosophy.
Wakefield was famous for his "ground and pound" mentality. We're talking about a smash-mouth style that made opposing linebackers want to quit by the third quarter. He had two stints at the school, ending with his retirement in 2021, and he finished with over 200 wins at Perry alone.
It wasn't always easy. In 1982, Perry lost 29-8 to the Tigers. Wakefield, then a young coach, famously said it was "plain dumb" to play Massillon if they weren't going to compete on that level. He promised things would change.
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They did.
Under Wakefield, the Panthers became a fixture in the OHSAA playoffs. They didn't just participate; they dominated. They reached back-to-back state championship games in 2015 and 2016. While they fell short of the trophy both times—losing to Cincinnati La Salle both years—those runs solidified Perry as a Division II elite.
Recent Transitions: The Spencer Leno Era
Things are shifting now. After a few years under Zach Slates, the Panthers made a massive move for the 2025 season. They hired Spencer Leno.
If that name sounds familiar, it's because Leno was the long-time defensive coordinator for none other than the Massillon Tigers. Talk about a plot twist. Taking a coach from your biggest rival's staff is a bold statement. Leno brought a reputation for "attacking" defense, a slight departure from the traditional Perry mold but a necessary evolution in a modern game that’s getting faster every year.
Why the Rivalry With the Tigers is Different
People outside of Ohio often confuse Massillon Washington (the Tigers) and Massillon Perry (the Panthers). Don't do that in a local bar.
The rivalry is weird. It’s not the "War of 1894" (that’s Massillon vs. Canton McKinley). Instead, the Perry-Massillon game is about proximity and pride. It’s a "backyard" brawl. For a long time, the Tigers dominated the series, but Perry broke through in a big way in the late 90s and early 2000s.
One of the most famous games happened in 1999. Perry didn't just beat Massillon; they dismantled them 23-6. It was a statement that the Panthers weren't little brothers anymore.
Today, the game usually happens early in the season or in the playoffs. In 2024, the Panthers finished 6-6, a season of ups and downs that included a tough playoff loss to a powerhouse Big Walnut team. But even in "down" years, the Perry community shows up.
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The Misconception: "Just a Running Team"
One thing people get wrong? They think Perry is just a bunch of kids running the ball 50 times a game.
Sure, the history is rooted in the wing-T. But the program has produced some incredibly versatile athletes. Look at Keishaun Sims. In 2015, the guy was a human highlight reel, winning Mr. Football in Ohio. He rushed for over 3,000 yards in a single season. That’s not just "system" football; that’s elite talent.
Then there are the "big guys." Perry is an offensive line factory. They produce kids who are technically sound, incredibly strong, and mean as hell on the field. It’s a blue-collar town, and the football team reflects that.
- 2015/2016: State Runners-up (Division II)
- Legendary Coach: Keith Wakefield (200+ wins)
- Home Field: Perryview Stadium (A place that gets loud)
- Key Rivalry: Massillon Washington (The "other" Massillon)
What Really Matters in Perry Township
It’s about the community. On a Friday night in the fall, the township shuts down. You'll see the "Perry Football" signs in every yard from 13th Street down to the outskirts of Navarre.
There is a genuine chip on the shoulder of this program. They know they aren't the "famous" Massillon. They know people overlook them. And honestly? They prefer it that way. It’s easier to hit someone when they don't see you coming.
The 2024 season was a bridge. With Spencer Leno now at the helm for 2025 and beyond, the program is looking to marry that old-school toughness with some new-school defensive aggression. They’ve got the talent in the pipeline, particularly in the trenches where the Panthers always seem to have an advantage.
How to Follow the Panthers This Season
If you're looking to catch a game or keep up with the stats, here is the best way to do it:
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- Check JoeEitel.com: This is the "bible" for Ohio high school football rankings and playoff points. It’ll tell you exactly where Perry stands in Region 7.
- The Friday Night Hub: Follow local Stark County sports writers on X (formerly Twitter). They provide live updates that are much faster than any app.
- Visit Perryview Stadium: If you can, go to a game. The atmosphere is different than the massive Paul Brown stadium; it’s tighter, more intimate, and incredibly intense.
The Panthers aren't going anywhere. They might not have 24 state titles, but they have a culture that most schools would die for. They are the "other" Massillon, and they are perfectly happy being the team you’re afraid to play.
Keep an eye on the defensive front this year. With Leno’s influence, the Panthers are likely to transition into a much more aggressive, blitz-heavy unit that could disrupt the Federal League standings. If the offense can find a consistent rhythm in the passing game to compliment their traditional run strength, another deep playoff run isn't just a dream—it's the expectation.