Welcome to Massillon, Ohio, where high school football is nothing short of religion. For the 33,000 people who live there, football is life--a veritable "cradle to the grave" experience that begins in the maternity ward where coaches make visits to scout future linebackers, and ends in a customized football casket emblazoned with the Tigers mascot.

 

 

 

A surprise hit in theaters across the country, Go Tigers! chronicles the 1999 high school football season of the Massillon Tigers. On the heels of a losing year, the Tigers risk losing football in Massillon altogether, as an upcoming vote on a new tax levy is the only thing that will prevent massive budget cuts and the elimination of the football program. With the vote clearly riding on the team's success, it is up to the three co-captains--quarterback Dave Irwin, linebacker Danny Studer, and defensive end Ellery Moore--to ensure that an entire town's hopes and dreams come true. Just three days before the crucial vote is to take place, the Tigers face the biggest game of their lives against archrival McKinley.

 

 

 

In the spirit of such hit films as Remember the Titans and Hoop Dreams, accomplished filmmaker and Massillon native Ken Carlson brings us the real story behind America's hysterical obsession with sports, and for the first time lets us experience that same rush of adrenaline along with a real-life team. With an SRO crowd of screaming fans and a town's future at stake, Go Tigers! is an energetic and absorbing thrill ride not to be missed.

 

Special features

 

 

·         Deleted scenes

 

 

·         Interview with Massillon native and football great Chris Spielman

 

 

·         Complete 1951 archival news reel feature - Touchdown Town

 

 

·         A 'Where Are They Now?' update with exclusive photos

 

 

·         Massillon Hall of Champions Gallery

 

 

·         Previously unreleased trailers

 

 

·         Original music from the film by singer/songwriter Katrina Carlson

 

 

·         Filmmaker biography