Associated Press

CANTON

Loveland won its first state title on Friday by defeating beat Cleveland Glenville 41-23 in the Division II high school football final in a driving snowstorm at Fawcett Stadium.

Loveland’s defense was cold-blooded as Michael Weber, who forced a fumble and had a fumble recovery, was part of a unit that forced seven turnovers. It was the Tigers’ first final appearance and snapped a 13-game winning streak by the Tarblooders.

Loveland, the No. 2 team in The Associated Press’ poll, finished 15-0. It scored 34 points off Glenville miscues to send the 13-2 Tarblooders home without a state title in their second try.

The 27 points the Tigers scored in the second quarter were a Division II state record and put things away early.

Luke Waddell ran for 175 yards and added a touchdown for Loveland.

Five first-half turnovers by the Tarblooders led to all the points on the board as Loveland waltzed into halftime up 34-0.

The Tigers, showing a rare mix in their wing-T offense, had two touchdowns through the air to go along with three more on the ground.

Waddell was the big beneficiary, picking up 130 yards and a score by intermission. Gunner Gambill (115 yards, 2 touchdowns) had 71 yards and a score on 13 carries in the first 24 minutes.

Add touchdown receptions by Tre Heath and Jake Elfers and an interception returned for a touchdown by Beau Ngu, and the game was all but over at halftime.

Loveland’s dominance extended well past defense as AP first-team All-Ohio offensive tackle Andrew Alten led the way for the Tigers.