Battle of the Catholic League Powers: Unbeaten DCC Visits Orchard Lake St. Mary’s in Week 7 Showdown
ORCHARD LAKE, Mich. — Two defending state champions. Two of Metro Detroit’s premier football programs. One highly anticipated Friday night showdown.
Unbeaten Detroit Catholic Central (6–0) travels to face Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (5–1) on Friday, October 9, at 7 p.m., in a matchup that could have major implications for the Catholic High School League championship race.
The Shamrocks enter the contest ranked No. 1 in the Detroit Varsity Sports Metro Detroit Football Top 10, while the Eaglets hold the No. 4 spot.
With both programs coming off impressive victories, Friday’s meeting promises to be one of the biggest games of Week 7.
DCC Looks to Keep Its Perfect Season Alive
Detroit Catholic Central has established itself as one of Michigan’s most dominant teams through six weeks.
The defending Division 1 state champions have opened the season with six consecutive victories, including a 31–12 win over Toledo Central Catholic in last Saturday’s Boys’ Bowl.
The Shamrocks controlled much of that contest, building an early advantage behind explosive special teams plays and a disruptive defense.
Gideon Gash delivered two touchdowns, including a punt return and a sideline reception, helping Catholic Central remain undefeated.
However, the victory also raised an important question heading into Friday.
Starting quarterback Duke Banta exited the Toledo Central Catholic game late in the first half and did not return. Head coach Justin Cessante indicated afterward that Banta would undergo further evaluation, leaving his availability for the St. Mary’s matchup uncertain.
Whether Banta is available could be one of the biggest storylines entering Friday night.
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Has Momentum
The Eaglets enter Week 7 riding a four-game winning streak following their lone loss of the season, a narrow 44–42 defeat against Detroit King.
Since that setback, St. Mary’s has responded with several convincing performances.
The defending Division 2 state champions defeated Brother Rice 48–20 before following with a 42–6 victory over Warren De La Salle in Week 6.
Those performances have positioned St. Mary’s for an opportunity to make a statement against one of the state’s top-ranked programs.
A victory over Catholic Central would not only end the Shamrocks’ undefeated run but also strengthen the Eaglets’ position in the Catholic League championship picture.
A Matchup With Championship Implications
Both programs know what it takes to compete on Michigan’s biggest stage.
Catholic Central captured the Division 1 state championship in 2025, while Orchard Lake St. Mary’s claimed the Division 2 crown.
Now the two championship programs meet during the regular season with momentum, league positioning and bragging rights on the line.
For Catholic Central, the challenge is maintaining its perfect record against another proven championship program.
For St. Mary’s, it’s an opportunity to deliver a signature victory and establish itself as a serious contender for another deep postseason run.
DVS Will Be On Site
Detroit Varsity Sports will be on site Friday night for the highly anticipated matchup, bringing fans game coverage, highlights, postgame interviews and reaction from Orchard Lake.
GAME INFORMATION
Matchup: Detroit Catholic Central (6–0) at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (5–1)
Date: Friday, October 9, 2026
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.
Location: St. Mary’s Preparatory, Orchard Lake, Michigan
DVS Rankings: No. 1 DCC vs. No. 4 St. Mary’s
Two defending champions. One Friday night showdown.
Your Game. Your Story.
