Football Picked to Finish 2nd in Central Division in CHSL Preseason Coaches’ Poll

The Central Catholic football team has been picked to finish second in the Central Division in the Catholic High School League (CHSL) in a vote by the conference’s head coaches.  The preseason poll was recently released at the league’s annual media day held at Mercy High School.

CCHS trailed only Detroit Catholic Central in the 6-team division preseason poll.  Last fall, the Scarlet & Gray suffered a 21-7 setback vs. DCC at Fr. Richard Elmer Stadium, snapping its school-record 33-game winning streak.

Rounding out the Central Division preseason poll are Orchard Lake St. Mary's Preparatory, Warren De La Salle Collegiate, Birmingham Brother Rice, and St. John's Jesuit.

In 2024, the Fighting Irish advanced to the OHSAA state championship game for the 3rd straight year.  CCHS posted a 14-2 overall record, including a 5-1 ledger in the CHSL, and made its 21st-straight playoff appearance.  Individually, they featured three 1st-team All-Ohio selections.  That list included senior DB Victor Singleton, Jr., who collected D-III Defensive Player of the Year honors.  Since 2000, CCHS has had 15 players earn 1st-team All-Ohio recognition.

The CHSL, which was founded in 1926, is the largest Catholic high school league in the United States with 32 private-school members from around southeastern Michigan and Toledo’s 5 Catholic high schools.

CCHS opens its 2025 campaign vs. Walsh Jesuit on Friday, August 22 at 7 p.m. in Gallagher Stadium. 

The league’s season will culminate with Prep Bowl LIII on Saturday, October 25 at Ford Field in Detroit.

Central Catholic’s complete schedule can be found by clicking HERE.

CHSL PRESEASON COACHES’ POLL (CENTRAL DIVISION)
1. Detroit Catholic Central (5 first-place votes)
2. CENTRAL CATHOLIC (2)
3. Orchard Lake St. Mary's Preparatory
4. Warren De La Salle Collegiate
5. Birmingham Brother Rice
6. St. John’s Jesuit