ZANESVILLE, Ohio — The Massillon Tigers’ season ended in heartbreak Friday night when quarterback Manny Patterson was sacked on the game’s final play, sealing a 27-21 loss to Sunbury Big Walnut in the Division II, Region 7 final in Zanesville.

The Tigers appeared finished when their penultimate possession fell short, but Nolan Buirley’s fumble on the Golden Eagles’ side of the field gave Massillon one more chance.

Patterson connected with Jadyce Thigpen, who made a contested catch and stepped out of bounds with 1.7 seconds remaining. But the comeback bid ended when Patterson couldn’t get off a pass before being brought down.

Big Walnut (12-1) advances to the state semifinals for the second consecutive year, where they face Cincinnati Anderson in one semifinal. Avon and Walsh Jesuit meet

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