The Detroit Catholic League is gearing up for another season of high‑stakes competition, with defending champions and newcomers alike promising a slate that could reshape the state playoff picture.
Key Players and Teams to Watch
Detroit Catholic Central, the reigning Division 1 state champions, return nine starters on offense, led by senior quarterback Duke Banta, offensive lineman Eric Anderson and running back Ryan Jaafar. The unit also welcomes newcomers Aiden Kersey, JJ Chevalier and A’mari Dorsey into expanded roles, while the defense boasts top‑100 national recruit Gideon Gash, who anchors a unit expected to remain among the nation’s best.
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, the two‑time Division 2 champions, are projected to be even stronger, featuring senior quarterback Jabin Gonzales, slotback Lorenzo Barber and wideout Chad Willis on offense, and defensive standout Treighjan Gibson returning to bolster the line.
Dearborn Divine Child, last year’s Division 4 champions, are aiming for a repeat with junior quarterback Drew Sheridan back under center and senior defensive back Giancarlo Vitti leading a dominant defense.
Other programs also bring star power: Birmingham Brother Rice returns junior wideout Tyler Trusel and sophomore quarterback Sammy Eyde, while Warren De La Salle will lean on rising junior quarterback Grayson Thurston and senior defenders Joey Marasco and Will Cartwright. Toledo Central Catholic brings back quarterback Ali Beyboun and running back Jeremiah Fuller, and Toledo St. John’s fields a potent offense anchored by quarterback Reid Berry and running back Sam Harshman.
The league welcomes Detroit Country Day, a newcomer that arrives with blue‑chip talent such as senior tight end Anthony Cartwright and wideout Jaidyn Martin, poised to make an immediate impact.
A co‑op partnership between U‑D Jesuit and Riverview Gabriel Richard adds sophomore quarterback James Logan and junior defensive end Carson Begeman to the mix, while longtime Jackson Lumen Christi coach Herb Brogan sits one win away from becoming the state’s all‑time winningest high school football coach.
With coaches like Dennis Morey of Detroit Loyola and a host of other seasoned mentors, the Catholic League’s depth and competitive balance set the stage for a season where multiple teams could contend for state titles.