RJ Day Struggles in Columbus DeSales’ Playoff Defeat to Massillon

RJ Day, son of Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, faced a challenging conclusion to his junior season on November 3, 2023. The quarterback for Columbus St. Francis DeSales experienced a dramatic shift from his previous performance, which saw him throw for a school record of 482 yards in a playoff victory against Ashland.

In a home game against third-seeded Massillon, Day struggled to replicate his success, contributing to a disappointing 48-14 loss for DeSales, the top seed in Division II, Region 7 of the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) playoffs. Despite throwing one touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, Day’s performance was marred by two interceptions that significantly affected the game’s outcome.

A Night of Missed Opportunities

Day’s only touchdown pass came late in the game, connecting with junior wide receiver Dax Middleton to narrow Massillon’s lead to 41-14. Earlier in the match, Day primarily completed shorter, safer check-down passes, with his longest completion in the first half only reaching 15 yards to junior running back Kaleb Johnson. The first half ended with Massillon capitalizing on DeSales’ mistakes, leading 27-14 at halftime.

As the second half progressed, DeSales struggled to regain control. Massillon maintained a steady ground game, while Day faced relentless pressure whenever he attempted to pass. Notably, he managed to escape a sack on multiple occasions, showcasing his speed and agility, which resulted in a personal foul penalty against Massillon for a late hit. Ultimately, the defense managed to bring him down just once throughout the matchup.

Looking Ahead

RJ Day, who is the oldest of Ryan Day’s three children, recently returned from a recruiting visit to Purdue University, coinciding with Ohio State’s game against the Boilermakers. As a member of the 2027 recruiting class, Day is still awaiting ratings from recruiting services, making this playoff season an important period for his development and exposure.

The loss marks a significant moment in RJ Day’s young career, as he aims to build on his previous achievements and learn from this experience. Fans and scouts alike will be watching his progress as he continues his journey in high school football.