Glenville High School secured a decisive 35-7 victory against Perry in the OHSAA Division IV regional finals, propelling them into the state semifinals. A key contributor to this success was receiver Joseph Saffold, whose performance on the field highlighted his growing impact on the team. With a 57-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Arvell Nelson Jr., Saffold played a pivotal role in establishing a commanding lead for the Tarblooders.
This win marks Glenville’s fourth consecutive appearance in the state semifinals, where they will face the defending state champion, Gnadenhutten Indian Valley, on November 29, 2025. The exact location for the match will be determined by the OHSAA over the weekend.
Saffold, who previously played three years at St. Edward, has seamlessly integrated into the Glenville football program. His transition to the Tarblooders came after a successful season where he was instrumental in leading St. Edward to the Division I state semifinals, stepping up as a reliable receiver when his teammate, Zach Hackleman, suffered an injury.
As he joined Glenville, Saffold faced the challenge of competing for attention in a lineup that already featured established players. However, he expressed confidence in his decision to transfer, influenced by his father, Jeffrey Saffold, and the trust placed in coach Ted Ginn Sr..
“I’m happy with the move, for sure,” Saffold stated. “(Ginn) has taken care of me ever since I transferred here. I knew that I could compete. I’ve never been a kid to back down from competition.” His determination is clearly reflected in his statistics; during the regular season, Saffold recorded 704 yards and 10 touchdowns on just 32 receptions, surpassing his previous year’s performance of 684 yards and five touchdowns.
Saffold’s success is also a testament to the strength of his connection with quarterback Arvell Nelson Jr. Their chemistry on the field has drawn attention from various college programs, including several from the Mid-American Conference, as well as Howard University, Pennsylvania, and Yale. Coach Ginn remarked, “Hell of a player. I think he’s really under-recruited, too.”
Originally hailing from Florida, Saffold moved to Cleveland in time for eighth grade. He attended University School before his tenure at St. Edward, and now at Glenville, he has maintained strong ties with coaches from his earlier years in Florida. This network was instrumental in facilitating his invitation for a seven-on-seven tournament, which ultimately strengthened his bond with teammates like C.J. Newell.
Newell, a third-year starting safety, noted, “We both got better, and everything that we did in the summertime is showing.” Their connection has fostered a supportive environment within the team as they aim for their third state championship in four years.
Reflecting on his experiences, Saffold emphasized the positive atmosphere at Glenville. “It’s like a whole different vibe,” he shared. “When I transferred in, we just clicked automatically. It’s my family, and it’s been a completely different season. I love it here.”
With the state semifinals looming, Glenville stands poised to make another deep run into the postseason, driven by the collective effort of its players and the leadership of its coaching staff.