Football Edges Out CVCA in D-III State Semifinals, 21-20
The Central Catholic football team earned a thrilling 21–20 victory over previously unbeaten CVCA on Friday night in the OHSAA Division III State Semifinals at Fostoria Memorial Stadium. With the one-point win, the Fighting Irish improve to 11–4 and advance to the state championship game for an unprecedented fourth straight season.
Trailing 20–7 midway through the third quarter, the Scarlet & Gray mounted a remarkable comeback with two touchdown passes. Junior QB Ali Beydoun connected with senior WR Jerome Davis V and junior RB Jeremiah Fuller, giving the Irish a 21–20 lead with just 1:55 remaining.
CVCA (13-1) made one final push, driving to the Central Catholic 12-yard line in the closing seconds to set up a potential game-winning 29-yard field goal. But the kick sailed wide left as time expired, sending the Irish sideline—and the Irish Nation—into celebration.
Beydoun finished the game completing 11 of 20 passes for 188 yards, including a 30-yard touchdown strike to senior WR Preston Fryzel in the second quarter.
Central Catholic now turns its attention to the Division III State Championship Game, where the Fighting Irish will face Columbus Bishop Watterson (13–0) on Friday, December 5 at 3 p.m. at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton. The Eagles defeated Tippecanoe 41–9 in the other semifinal. The programs have recent championship history: Central Catholic defeated Bishop Watterson, 27–7, in the 2023 Division III state final, but the Eagles edged the Fighting Irish, 19–14, in last year’s title game.
