Texas might claim the crown for high school football frenzy, but in Cleveland, Ohio, Glenville High School football holds its own as a powerhouse with heart, history, and a knack for producing champions. Nestled in the Glenville neighborhood on Cleveland’s East Side, the Tarblooders aren’t just a team—they’re a legacy woven into the fabric of the community. From state championships to NFL pipelines, this program embodies the grit and glory of Friday night lights. In this 1500-word deep dive, we’ll unpack the rich history of Glenville football, spotlight recent successes and standout players, and reveal what keeps them thriving in Ohio’s fiercely competitive landscape. Ready to discover why the Glenville Tarblooders are a name every football fan should know? Let’s hit the field!
What Makes Glenville High School Football Stand Out?
Ohio high school football is a battleground of talent and tradition, and Glenville High School rises above the fray. Located at 113th and St. Clair, this public school in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District serves a community where football isn’t just a game—it’s a lifeline. Under the legendary leadership of Coach Ted Ginn Sr., the Tarblooders have transformed raw talent into championship pedigrees and college prospects.
What’s their secret sauce? It’s a blend of elite coaching, a relentless work ethic, and a fanbase that turns every snap into a city-wide event. Whether it’s the roar at Bump Taylor Field or the buzz of recruiters eyeing the sidelines, Glenville football captures the spirit of Cleveland’s East Side pride.
Glenville High School Football: The Essentials
Here’s a quick rundown of what defines Glenville football:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Cleveland, Ohio (Glenville neighborhood) |
| School Type | Public, part of Cleveland Metropolitan School District |
| State Championships | 2022, 2023 (OHSAA Division IV) – First Cleveland public school to win |
| Recent Record | 13-2 in 2024, fell in Division IV semifinals to Perkins (13-11) |
| Notable Players | Ted Ginn Jr. (NFL), Marshon Lattimore (NFL), Cardale Jones (Ohio State) |
| Head Coach | Ted Ginn Sr., with over 26 years at the helm |
| Rivalries | St. Edward, Villa Angela-St. Joseph, regional playoff foes like Perkins |
| National Impact | Produced 28 NFL players, multiple Ohio State standouts |
This table is your cheat sheet—keep reading for the full story!
A Storied History of Glenville Football
How Did Glenville Become a Football Powerhouse?
Glenville’s football journey kicked into high gear when Ted Ginn Sr. took the reins in 1997. Before that, the Tarblooders were known more for track and field, boasting 17 state titles. But Ginn flipped the script. In 2009, Glenville made history as the first Cleveland public school to reach an OHSAA Division I state championship game, falling just short to Massillon Washington.
The breakthrough came in 2022. After years of near-misses—including back-to-back Division II title game losses in 2013 and 2014—the Tarblooders clinched their first football state title in Division IV, routing Kettering Alter 38-3. They doubled down in 2023, dominating Alter again, 38-3, cementing their dynasty status.
Key Milestones in Glenville Football History
- 2009: First Cleveland public school in the OHSAA state final (Division I).
- 2022: Division IV state champs, ending a decades-long quest.
- 2023: Back-to-back titles, outscoring opponents 461-130 in the season.
This isn’t just a team—it’s a program built on resilience and redemption.
Recent Success: Glenville Football in 2024
How Did Glenville Perform in the 2024 Season?
The 2024 season was another showcase of Tarblooder tenacity. Finishing 13-2, Glenville steamrolled through Ohio’s Division IV, averaging 35.6 points per game. Their playoff run was a highlight reel—until a nail-biting 13-11 loss to Perkins in the state semifinals on November 29, 2024, halted their three-peat dreams.
Standout Games of 2024
- Regional Semifinal: Crushed West Branch 13-0, with a suffocating defense.
- Semifinal Thriller: Fell 13-11 to Perkins, a game decided by a late field goal after Glenville’s offense stalled.
Despite the loss, Glenville’s season reaffirmed their status as a top-tier program, with a defense that held opponents under 10 points in eight games.
2024 Season Stats
- Record: 13-2.
- Offense: 35.6 points per game.
- Defense: Allowed just 11.2 points per game on average.
Who Are Glenville’s Star Players?
Glenville’s roster is a talent incubator, churning out stars who shine from Cleveland to the NFL. Here are the 2024 standouts:
Ruel Tomlinson – Quarterback Extraordinaire
- Class: 2025.
- Stats: 2,300+ passing yards, 30+ TDs in 2024.
- Future: Drawing college interest after a breakout senior year.
Tomlinson’s arm and poise carried Glenville deep into the playoffs, echoing the legacy of past QB Cardale Jones.
D’Shawntae Jones – Running Back Phenom
- Class: Graduated 2023, but his impact lingers.
- Stats: 1,500+ rushing yards in 2022 title season.
- Future: Now at Youngstown State, a testament to Glenville’s pipeline.
Jones’ bruising style powered the 2022 and 2023 championships, earning him Ohio Mr. Football buzz.
Quincy Rogers – Wide Receiver Spark
- Class: 2025.
- Stats: 900+ receiving yards in 2024.
- Impact: A speedster who stretches defenses thin.
These players, backed by a fierce defense, keep Glenville in the spotlight.
How Does Glenville High School Football Prepare for Greatness?
What’s Behind Glenville’s Winning Formula?
Success doesn’t happen by accident—it’s forged through preparation. Here’s how Glenville stays elite:
Coaching Genius: Ted Ginn Sr.
With over 26 years at Glenville, Ginn Sr. is more than a coach—he’s a mentor. His spread-option offense and lockdown defenses have produced 28 NFL players, including his son, Ted Ginn Jr., and Saints star Marshon Lattimore.
Practice Schedule: A Week in the Life
| Day | Activity | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Film review, light conditioning | Strategy, recovery |
| Tuesday | Full pads, offensive drills | Play execution, timing |
| Wednesday | Defensive schemes, special teams | Tackling, coverage |
| Thursday | Walk-throughs, situational plays | Game prep, mental sharpness |
| Friday | Game day—Bump Taylor Field lights up! | Execution, heart |
Community Backbone
From pep rallies to packed stands, Cleveland’s East Side rallies behind the Tarblooders. Local legends like Ginn Sr. inspire kids to dream big, while alumni often return to coach or mentor.
What Are Glenville’s Fiercest Rivalries?
Who Challenges Glenville the Most?
Rivalries fuel football passion, and Glenville’s matchups deliver:
- St. Edward: A Cleveland classic, pitting public vs. private powerhouses.
- Perkins: The 2024 semifinal foe who snapped Glenville’s title streak.
- North Shore (Playoff Ghosts): Past playoff battles echo into today’s grit.
These games aren’t just contests—they’re showdowns that define seasons.
How Can Fans Follow Glenville High School Football?
Where to Catch Tarblooder Action?
Stay in the loop with these resources:
- Live Games: Stream on NFHS Network or catch radio broadcasts via WHK 1420 AM.
- Updates: MaxPreps and Cleveland.com for scores and schedules.
- Social Buzz: Follow @Glenville_FB on X for highlights and recruiting scoops.
Tips for Aspiring Glenville Football Players
How Can You Join the Tarblooders?
Want to wear the red and black? Here’s your playbook:
- Start Young: Hit youth leagues like the Glenville Falcons to build skills.
- Study Hard: Eligibility starts in the classroom—aim for a 3.0 GPA.
- Show Up: Attend Ginn’s summer camps to catch his eye.
- Grind Daily: Outwork your peers—effort trumps talent alone.
Why Does Glenville Football Matter to Ohio?
Glenville High School football isn’t just a team—it’s a beacon for Cleveland. As the first public school to win an OHSAA football title, they’ve shattered barriers and inspired urban programs statewide. Their pipeline to Ohio State and the NFL proves talent knows no zip code.
Fun Fact
Glenville’s track team has 17 state titles—more than most schools have in any sport!
See Also: fballquery.com
Conclusion
The 2024 season ended short of a three-peat, but Glenville High School football remains a force. With Ted Ginn Sr.’s vision, a roster brimming with promise, and a community that never wavers, the Tarblooders are poised for more triumphs. This isn’t just a program—it’s Cleveland’s heartbeat on the gridiron.
