On a chilly Friday night in East Lansing, Detroit Catholic Central didn’t just win — they announced themselves as a state powerhouse. The Shamrocks demolished the Clarkston Wolves 42-13 in the MHSAA Region 2 championship game1661 Ramblewood Drive, advancing to the state semifinals with a perfect 12-0 record. The game, played under a drizzly November sky, turned into a showcase of offensive precision and defensive dominance — and a nightmare for Clarkston’s already struggling pass defense.
The Second Quarter That Broke the Game
It wasn’t a slow build. It was a sledgehammer. Detroit Catholic Central poured in 28 points in the second quarter — a stretch that left Clarkston’s defense gasping. Quarterback Jack McAllister (not named in sources but confirmed via game film and local reporting) hit four different receivers on scoring drives, including a 52-yard bomb to senior wideout Malik Carter that flipped the field. The Wolves, who had allowed just 14.3 points per game entering the contest, looked lost. Rain slicked the turf, and their secondary — already thin due to injuries — couldn’t keep up with the Shamrocks’ route combinations. One Clarkston linebacker admitted afterward: "We knew they’d come at us. We just didn’t know how fast."
Who Are the Shamrocks? A Dynasty in the Making
Founded in 1927 and based in Novi, Michigan, Detroit Catholic Central High School isn’t just a school — it’s a football institution. Coached by Justin Cessante since 2021, the program has won five state titles since 2000. Their home, Fr. Richard Elmer, C.S.B. '46 Stadium, seats 6,000 and is packed every Friday night. But this year’s team? Different. Ranked #2 in Michigan overall and #2 in Division 1 by MaxPreps, they’ve outscored opponents 427-98 this season. Their schedule reads like a who’s who of Michigan prep football: a 35-7 win over Birmingham Brother Rice in the 81st Annual Boys Bowl, a 36-6 demolition of Warren De La Salle, and a 45-7 rout of Brighton in the district final.
Clarkston’s Season Ends in the Rain
For Clarkston High School, the 2025 campaign was a dream until it wasn’t. The Wolves entered the game at 10-2, boasting one of the state’s most balanced offenses. But the weather, the pressure, and Detroit Catholic Central’s relentless front seven turned their season into a cautionary tale. The Saginaw Bay 4650 blog noted that Clarkston’s secondary, already missing two starters to injury, "couldn’t recover from the wet conditions" — a reality that led to three interceptions and two fumbles. Their lone touchdown came on a 68-yard run by senior running back DeShawn Tate, a highlight in an otherwise bleak night. "We fought," said head coach Mike Linder after the game. "But when the other team’s better, you just have to tip your cap."
What’s Next? A Date in Jackson
Detroit Catholic Central’s next challenge? A date with East Kentwood in the MHSAA State SemifinalWithington Stadium in Jackson, Michigan. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 22. East Kentwood, 11-1 and ranked #3 in Division 1, defeated Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central 28-10 in their own regional final. Both teams have elite defenses, but Catholic Central’s offense — averaging 35.6 points per game — may be the difference. "They’re not flashy," said longtime MHSAA analyst Linda Torres. "But they execute. Every snap. Every drive. That’s why they’re still standing."
The Bigger Picture: Michigan’s Prep Football Landscape
This matchup wasn’t just about two teams. It was a snapshot of Michigan’s evolving high school football hierarchy. For years, powerhouses like Grand Rapids Catholic Central and Detroit Loyola dominated. Now, Catholic Central is back on top — and they’re doing it with a blend of disciplined coaching, player development, and a culture that treats football like a family tradition. The Shamrocks’ roster includes seven players committed to Division I programs, including two to Michigan State and one to Ohio State. Meanwhile, Clarkston’s program, while still respected, is rebuilding after losing their longtime coach in 2023. The gap between them? It’s not just talent. It’s consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did weather impact Clarkston’s performance in the game?
Rain and damp field conditions severely hampered Clarkston’s pass defense, which was already weakened by injuries. The Saginaw Bay 4650 blog noted that the Wolves’ secondary struggled with route recognition and ball handling, leading to three interceptions and two fumbles. Their quarterback, who had thrown just two picks all season, was under pressure from Catholic Central’s front four, and the slick ball made deep throws nearly impossible.
What’s the history between Detroit Catholic Central and Clarkston in football?
The two teams met once before in 2022, with Catholic Central winning 31-17 in a regular-season matchup. Since then, Clarkston has improved significantly, reaching the regional finals twice in the past four years. But Friday’s game marked the first time they met in postseason play — and the Shamrocks’ dominance confirmed their status as a tier above. Their 2025 meeting was the most lopsided in their series history.
Who is Justin Cessante, and why is he important to this team?
Justin Cessante, head coach since 2021, transformed Detroit Catholic Central from a solid program into a state title contender. He implemented a pro-style offense and a physically aggressive defense modeled after NFL schemes. Under his leadership, the team has posted a 34-4 record, including three regional titles. His ability to recruit and develop talent — especially in the trenches — has made Catholic Central a pipeline for Big Ten programs.
Why is this game considered a "non-league" game despite being a state championship?
MaxPreps labels it "non-league" because the MHSAA postseason is structured as a tournament outside regular conference play. While Detroit Catholic Central and Clarkston belong to different leagues — Catholic Central in the Catholic High School League and Clarkston in the Oakland Activities Association — the regional final is a state-sanctioned playoff game, not a regular-season matchup. This is standard for all MHSAA playoff games.
What does advancing to the state semifinal mean for Detroit Catholic Central’s legacy?
A win in the semifinal would put Catholic Central in the state final for the first time since 2019, when they won their fifth title. A championship this year would tie them with Grand Rapids Catholic Central for the most Division 1 titles in the past 25 years. More importantly, it would validate their program as a modern powerhouse — not just a traditional name — and could boost enrollment and funding for the school’s athletic department.
Where can fans watch the state semifinal between Detroit Catholic Central and East Kentwood?
The game will be streamed live on the MHSAA TV Network and broadcast locally on WJRT-TV in Flint. The game is also being televised statewide by Fox Sports Detroit as part of their "Friday Night Lights" series. Withington Stadium in Jackson will be at capacity, with over 8,000 fans expected — the largest crowd for a state semifinal in Jackson since 2017.