CLEVELAND — In Ohio, high school football isn’t just the biggest draw: It’s the biggest bankroll in youth sports.

Numbers obtained by 3News show football is the primary financial lifeline for prep sports across the state. Without it, other sports could face major cuts or disappear entirely.

Few people understand the sport’s impact better than Ted Ginn Sr., who is preparing for his 28th season as head coach at Glenville High School in Cleveland.

Under his leadership, the Tarblooders have won multiple state titles and sent dozens of players, including his son, Ted Ginn Jr., to the NFL.

“It’s all about Ohio,” Ginn admitted with a smile. “We’re hard-nosed, blue-collar type people. We’re not fancy like that. Ohio’s got tough football.”

According to the Ohio High School Athletic Associatio

See Full Page