UPDATE: In a dramatic playoff showdown, RJ Day, the son of Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, faced a challenging end to his junior season as Columbus St. Francis DeSales suffered a devastating 48-14 loss to Massillon last night. This marked a stark contrast to his previous performance where he threw for a school record of 482 yards in a playoff victory against Ashland.
The game, held at home in Columbus, saw DeSales, the top seed in Division II, Region 7 of the OHSAA playoffs, struggle against the third-seeded Massillon. RJ Day managed only one touchdown pass, connecting with junior wide receiver Dax Middleton in the fourth quarter, which brought the score to 41-14.
Throughout the game, Day faced relentless pressure, completing mostly short passes early on, with his longest completion in the first half being just 15 yards to junior running back Kaleb Johnson. The second quarter proved costly, as Day threw two interceptions, allowing Massillon to take a commanding 27-14 lead by halftime.
Despite his efforts, including using his speed to extend plays, Day was unable to regain momentum. The Stallions dominated the second half, focusing on a strong running game while Day was frequently pressured when attempting to pass. He was sacked only once but struggled to find rhythm on the field.
This playoff game is significant not only for DeSales but also for RJ Day’s future, as he is a prospect in the 2027 recruiting class and was recently on a recruiting visit with Purdue. As the oldest of Ryan Day’s three children, his performance is being closely monitored by college scouts.
As the dust settles on this playoff matchup, the DeSales community and fans are left reflecting on RJ Day’s season. Will he bounce back next year? The pressure is on as he prepares for the next chapter in his football career. Stay tuned for further updates on RJ Day’s journey and the future of the DeSales program.
