Detroit Catholic Central Overpowers Clarkston 42–13 in Regional Playoff Clash
By Caleb Bushell — Detroit Varsity Sports
In a highly anticipated Division 1 regional playoff matchup, the undefeated Detroit Catholic Central Shamrocks (12–0) overpowered the Clarkston Wolves (10–2) with a commanding 42–13 victory. What began as a promising start for Clarkston quickly shifted, as DCC’s depth, discipline, and explosiveness took over the game and never let go.
1st Quarter — Early Fireworks
Clarkston opened the game with confidence and physicality. Receiving the opening kickoff, the Wolves put together a sharp early drive sparked by:
Class of 2026 RB/LB Lukas Boman with multiple chunk runs
Class of 2027 QB Alex Waszczenko using his legs to convert
A big 20+ yard catch by 2026 WR/S Cam Love
The momentum carried into a short 2-yard touchdown run by Lukas Boman, giving Clarkston a 7–0 lead.
DCC’s opening drive didn’t start smoothly. On the first play, RB Cedric Williams was stuffed in the backfield by Clarkston’s 2027 LB/RB/K Hunter Kauth. Clarkston forced a punt, giving their offense great position at the Shamrocks’ 29-yard line. But the Wolves couldn’t capitalize—thanks in part to a major sack by 2026 TE/DE Jack Janda that killed the drive.
Once DCC regained possession, the momentum shifted. Behind physical runs from Williams and crisp pacing from their offense, the Shamrocks marched the field. Early in the 2nd quarter, QB Duke Banta (2027) found Michael Dersa (2026) for a touchdown, tying the game 7–7.
2nd Quarter — Shamrocks Take Over
Clarkston tried to respond, but a drive-halting bad snap pushed them behind the sticks, forcing another punt.
On the first play of DCC’s next drive, Banta hit Samson Gash (2026) deep for a bomb touchdown to give DCC a 14–7 lead.
Clarkston’s offense struggled to regain rhythm, and another punt gave DCC even more opportunity. It didn’t take long. Banta connected again with Gash downfield, setting up first-and-goal at the 7-yard line. One play later, DCC punched it in to extend the lead to 21–7.
With just over two minutes left in the half, Clarkston desperately needed a scoring answer. Instead, another stalled drive gave DCC the ball back with under 2 minutes. The Shamrocks executed perfectly, and this time it was Gideon Gash (2027) — Samson’s younger brother — who caught a late touchdown to extend the halftime lead to 28–7.
3rd Quarter — Defense Sets the Tone
Clarkston’s defense came out strong to begin the half, forcing a DCC punt and showing renewed energy.
But it didn’t last.
On their next drive, DCC’s offense struck again, finishing another long series with a touchdown to go up 35–7.
Defensively, one of the biggest plays came from #44 Jack Kopsch, who delivered a huge sack that forced Clarkston into a quick three-and-out.
4th Quarter — DCC Closes the Door
The Shamrocks added another touchdown early in the 4th, pushing the score to 42–7 and putting the game out of reach.
Clarkston managed a late touchdown to make it 42–13, but their two-point attempt was unsuccessful. It would be the final score of the night.
Postgame Outlook
Detroit Catholic Central (12–0)
The Shamrocks showcased why they are one of the most complete teams in Michigan—executing at a high level in all three phases. QB Duke Banta, WRs Samson and Gideon Gash, RB Cedric Williams, and a dominant defensive front led by Wisconsin commit Jack Janda powered one of their most balanced performances of the season.
Next Game: Division 1 Semifinals
Detroit Catholic Central (12-0) vs. East Kentwood (10–2)
Neutral Site: Jackson High School — Withington Stadium
East Kentwood is coming off a huge 52–28 win over Hudsonville, setting up what could be one of the most physical semifinal matchups in the state.
Clarkston (10–2)
Clarkston came out swinging and delivered one of the strongest opening drives DCC has faced all season. Players like Lukas Boman, Griffin Boman, Cam Love, and QB Alex Waszczenko laid the foundation for another strong season under Coach Pintar, and the Wolves showed grit even when the momentum shifted.
For Clarkston’s seniors, this game carried an emotional weight that went far beyond the scoreboard. Many of them walked off the field with tears in their eyes — not just because of the loss, but because they knew this could be the last time they ever put on the pads, ran out of the tunnel, or stepped onto a football field to battle with their brothers.
The Wolves’ seniors left everything they had on the field, and their leadership and toughness will be remembered as a defining part of this 2025 Clarkston squad.
