Glenville Dominates over Canton South to Return to State Championship
Glenville High School clinched a 42-21 victory over Canton South in the Division IV State Semifinal to return to Canton, Ohio for a chance to win back-to-back state titles. The win ended the WIldcats impressive 12-game winning streak and memorable season after they advanced to the state semifinal for the first time in program history. After winning the Division IV title in 2022, the Tarblooders finished the regular season 7-3 and have dominated the Division IV bracket to march their way back to the state title game.
Game Highlights:
First Quarter: Glenville started the matchup strong with two Touchdown runs (9 & 37 yards) by D’Shawntae Jones to end the 1st quarter 14-0.
Second Quarter: Canton South bounces back with a 51 yard touchdown pass from Poochie Snyder to a wide open Tre Wilson to bring it back to 14-7.
Glenville keeps foot on the pedal: Despite the score and an interception on a later possession, the Tarblooders end the 1st half 28-7 on a 1 yard run by Ruel Tomlinson and a 19 yard touchdown double pass from Jones to Damarion Witten.
Third Quarter: After a Canton South Interception, the Tarblooders capitalized the turnover with a 22 yard touchdown pass from Tomlinson to Jamari Townsend.
Poochie Snyder’s last HS touchdown: After escaping a sack, Snyder raced to the end zone for 30 yards for the last time in his remarkable High School career.
Fourth Quarter: D’Shawntae Jones completes the hat trick with his third touchdown run on the night from 20 yards out end the night 42-21.
Glenville Strengths against Canton South
Glenville’s defense was the key to overcoming the Canton South offensive force, holding the Wildcats to only 197 yards from the air and 109 yards from the ground. The Glenville secondary also intercepted Mr. Ohio Football finalist Poochie Snyder three times throughout the night. On the offensive side, RB D’Shawntae Jones had a chip on his shoulder after being snubbed out of the Mr. Ohio Football race. Jones finished the night with 256 yards for 3 touchdowns. Quarterback Ruel Tomlinson also had a positive night, throwing for 7/12 for 98 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Canton South’s Senior departures
With the loss, the Canton South Wildcats best season in program history came to a screeching halt in the State Semifinals. The Wildcats will also be saying goodbye to their beloved class of 2024 seniors, including All-Time Stark County Passing Yards and Touchdown King QB Poochie Snyder. Despite the end of the season of firsts, including their first ever regional title, the Wildcats are looking to build off their remarkable 2023 season in the future years and potentially punch a ticket to the state championship.
Glenville’s Return to Canton
With the victory, the Glenville Tarblooders will return to Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio to square off against the Region 16 champions Archbishop Alter Knights for a chance to reclaim the Division IV state title back-to-back years. Kick off will be on Saturday, December 2nd at 7pm.