Glenville Seals the Deal for NEO in Showcase Finale
In the concluding act of the NEO vs. America Showcase, Glenville Tarblooders took center stage, ensuring a clean sweep for Northeast Ohio. The event, which spanned two days, saw Massillon initiate the winning streak with a 28-17 comeback against Valdosta. St. Edward and Archbishop Hoban followed suit, besting Center Grove and Frederick Douglass, respectively. With three wins in the bag, all eyes turned to Glenville.
After ending the first quarter down 7-0 against Dinwiddie, the 2022 Virginia Class 4 State Champions, Glenville faced a true test of their resilience. Building on their momentum from an undefeated D4 State Championship last year, the Tarblooders managed to extend their winning streak to 16 games with this latest triumph.
Legendary Head Coach Ted Ginn Sr., fresh from his induction into the NFHS Hall of Fame and the National High School Football Hall of Fame, watched his team, brimming with talent, turn the tide. With four players ranked in the top 100 Class of 2024 in Ohio by 247Sports.com, Glenville's talent was unmistakable. The recent commitments of Bryce West and Damarion Witten to The Ohio State University, Fred Johnson to Louisville, and Jermaine Agee to the Army further underscored the team's caliber.
The second quarter was a masterclass by senior running back D’Shawntae Jones. He exploded with four consecutive touchdowns, covering distances of 51, 2, 20, and 10 yards. Jones' performance saw him gain 133 yards from just 11 carries in the first half alone. Quarterback Ruel Tomlinson was also impressive, completing seven of his nine pass attempts for 189 yards and a touchdown. Quency Rogers and Damarion Witten also made significant contributions, with Rogers sprinting 70 yards for a touchdown and Witten pulling in 3 catches for 111 yards including a 47-yard catch that set up a touchdown for Jones.
By halftime, Glenville had established a commanding 36-7 lead, eventually sealing the game at 36-13.
Linebacker Dimarion Gill reflected on the team's preparation, stating, "We've been practicing Dinwiddie plays all summer. We were more than prepared for the win." He emphasized the team's unique blend of young talent and transfers, making their cohesive win even more special. Quarterback Ruel Tomlinson echoed Gill's sentiments, attributing the win to teamwork and preparation. "This win shows that we have the ability to compete with any team when we play together as one," he said. Tomlinson also highlighted the team's rigorous schedule and their readiness to face the challenges ahead.
In Week 2, the Tarblooders will take on Olentangy Liberty in Columbus, followed by a rematch with Avon from last season's thrilling game. Yet, the spotlight is on their matchups against the #4 ranked IMG Academy in Week 5 and Archbishop Hoban in Week 8. As the season intensifies, QB Ruel Tomlinson shared, "We have a very tough schedule and we are up for the challenge. We've prepared for months, practicing hard and bonding as a team. Coach Ginn always says we are 'Better Together'."