Joshua Bennett
The Central Catholic High School football team from Toledo, Ohio, has a strong athletic program with a history of success in football. Known as the Fighting Irish, the team has achieved notable accomplishments, including winning the OHSAA Division III football state championship in 2023. With a talented roster of players and a dedicated coaching staff, the Toledo Central Catholic football team has consistently performed well and established itself as a competitive force in high school football. Their success has brought pride to the school and the community, and they continue to strive for excellence both on and off the field.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| School Name | Central Catholic High School |
| School Location | Toledo, OH |
| Team Name | Fighting Irish |
| Sport | Football |
| Date | Friday, 1st December 2023 |
| Opponent | Columbus Bishop Watterson |
| Score | 27-7 |
| Stadium | Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium |
| League | OHSAA Division III |
| Championship | State |
| Consecutive Wins | 31 |
| Consecutive State Titles | 2 |
| Season Record | 16-0 |
| Head Coach | Greg Dempsey |
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What You'll Learn
Toledo Central Catholic wins the OHSAA Division III football title
Toledo Central Catholic High School's football team, the Fighting Irish, won the OHSAA Division III state championship game. This is the team's second consecutive state title win, following their Division II win in 2022.
The Fighting Irish beat Columbus Bishop Watterson 27-7 in the championship game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. This win marked the team's 31st consecutive win, and their first season in the lower division.
Head coach Greg Dempsey commented on the pressure the team was under to perform, and how proud he was of his players for living up to the community's high expectations. TCC forced three turnovers and limited Columbus Bishop Watterson to just 139 yards of total offense, with TCC senior defensive lineman Michael Cannings Jr. making two sacks.
TCC senior running back Marquan Braswell made an impressive 72-yard run in the fourth quarter, which set up a final short TD run by teammate Jaylen Watson, securing the win.
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The Fighting Irish win 27-7 against Columbus Bishop Watterson
The Fighting Irish of Toledo Central Catholic secured a 27-7 victory against Columbus Bishop Watterson in the OHSAA Division III Championship Game. This win earned the team their second consecutive state title and 31st straight win, capping off a perfect 16-0 season.
The Fighting Irish's victory was driven by a strong defensive performance, limiting Bishop Watterson to just 139 total yards of offense and forcing three turnovers. Senior RB Marquan Braswell was a standout performer, rushing for 169 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries. Braswell's performance, along with a strong defensive showing, helped Toledo Central Catholic overcome the early 7-0 deficit and secure the win.
The game was a rematch of the 2023 Division III state final, which was won by Toledo Central Catholic. Bishop Watterson entered the 2024 game with a perfect 15-0 record, aiming to avenge their previous loss. While they started strong, with a 7-0 lead in the first quarter, they were unable to maintain their momentum against the resilient Fighting Irish.
The Fighting Irish's win showcased their resilience and strong character, living up to the expectations of their community. Head coach Greg Dempsey's leadership played a pivotal role in the team's success, guiding them to their fifth state championship in program history. This victory further solidified the Fighting Irish's dominance in high school football and cemented their place as one of the top teams in the division.
The game unfolded with exciting twists and turns, with both teams displaying their skills and determination. The Fighting Irish's ability to capitalize on their opponent's mistakes and their strong defensive performance ultimately proved decisive in their victory.
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TCC forces three turnovers
The Toledo Central Catholic High School football team won a second consecutive OHSAA Division III state championship with a 27-7 victory over Columbus Bishop Watterson. TCC forced three turnovers and held Columbus Bishop Watterson to just 139 yards of total offense.
TCC senior defensive lineman Michael Cannings Jr. emphasised the importance of physicality, stating, "If we win the line of scrimmage, we win the game. That's always our goal." This mentality paid off, with TCC forcing three turnovers and limiting their opponents' offensive opportunities.
The TCC defence was led by Purcell, who made 21 tackles, setting a new OHSAA state championship game record for tackles in a single game across all divisions. This defensive performance was crucial in limiting Columbus Bishop Watterson's offensive output to only 139 total yards and forcing three turnovers.
TCC's ability to force turnovers and control the line of scrimmage was a significant factor in their victory, showcasing the team's strong character and determination to live up to the high expectations set by their community and previous successes. Head coach Greg Dempsey praised his team's resilience and ability to perform under pressure, attributing their success to their strong character.
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TCC's Greg Dempsey inducted into the Toledo City Athletic League Hall of Fame
TCC's Greg Dempsey has been inducted into the Toledo City Athletic League Hall of Fame. Dempsey, a 1990 alumnus of Central Catholic High School, has been the Head Football Coach at CCHS since 2000.
During his tenure, the Fighting Irish have gone 262-54 overall and qualified for the state playoffs 23 times, including the last 21 seasons. The team has won five state titles (2005, 2012, 2014, 2022, and 2023) under Dempsey's leadership, as well as finishing as state runner-up once and reaching the state semifinals three other times. Since 2000, the Fighting Irish have also won the Toledo City League on four occasions (2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008) and the Three Rivers Athletic Conference (TRAC) crown nine times.
Dempsey's induction into the Hall of Fame recognises his outstanding achievements as a coach and his impact on the Central Catholic football program. His work in forming young athletes and contributing to the school's athletic success is a testament to his dedication and leadership.
In addition to his coaching duties, Dempsey has also served as the Athletic Director at Central Catholic High School. He was instrumental in announcing the school's football schedule for the 2024 season, which included home games against rivals Whitmer and St. John's. Dempsey's own high school and collegiate athletic career laid the foundation for his successful coaching career.
The induction ceremony, held at The Premier, honoured Dempsey alongside seven student-athletes, two coaches, one team, and a distinguished citizen. This recognition solidifies Dempsey's place in the history of Toledo athletics and serves as a testament to his impact on the Central Catholic community.
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Central Catholic softball team defeats Notre Dame Academy 10-2
The Central Catholic softball team celebrated a resounding 10-2 victory over Notre Dame Academy in the Catholic High School League Cardinal Division Championship Game. The Fighting Irish, as they're known, put on a stellar performance that improved their season record to an impressive 13-10.
The star of the game was undoubtedly junior RHP Ella Schuberg, who delivered a dominant pitching performance. Schuberg registered an impressive 19 strikeouts, completely shutting down the opposing batting lineup and leading her team to a well-deserved win.
The game was held at Madonna University, providing a neutral site for this highly anticipated matchup. The Fighting Irish's victory showcased their determination and strong character, attributes that have become synonymous with the team across all sports.
This softball triumph adds to the Fighting Irish's impressive athletic achievements. Notably, the football team at Central Catholic High School has also garnered acclaim, securing a second consecutive OHSAA state championship in Division III with a perfect 16-0 record. Their victory over Columbus Bishop Watterson, with a score of 27-7, showcased the team's prowess and strong work ethic.
The Fighting Irish football program has consistently demonstrated its strength and resilience, with standout players like Michael Cannings Jr. and Marquan Braswell contributing to their success. The team's 31st consecutive win in the 2023 season further solidified their reputation as a force to be reckoned with in high school football.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, they won the OHSAA Division III football title.
They played against Columbus Bishop Watterson.
The final score was 27-7.
The game took place at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
The coach of the team is Greg Dempsey.
