Opponent Watch: Novi Detroit Catholic Central

Senior TE/DE Caleb Hendershot

(Photo by Julian H. Gonzalez/Detroit Free Press)

Team: Novi Detroit Catholic Central
Location: Novi, MI
Head Coach: Tom Mach
2013 Record: 11-3, 3-2
Nickname: Shamrocks
Colors: Royal Blue/White
Conference: Catholic League - Central
Enrollment: 2,134


Muskegon and Detroit Catholic Central have several things in common. Both are tradition-rich programs that have seen their fair share of success, with both schools claiming at least one state title in the past decade. On the other hand, both programs have felt the sting of defeat;  Each team is eager to put last season behind them and dive head-first into a classic East v. West showdown.

In an interview with MLive's Tom Barry, Shamrocks coach Tom Mach believes his team has what it takes to make it back to Ford Field this fall:

“Our kids have practiced really hard for us,” Mach stated. “We don’t have the secret formula to winning a state championship every year, but if we work hard and get better each week, then we will have what it takes to win it all. We can put ourselves in a good position this year.“We’re really young, though. We graduated a lot of seniors last year and we have a lot of guys who will be playing their first varsity game in the opener (Aug. 29 at Muskegon). There’s no way to predict how well we can do when you’re playing in your first game. I like what I see, though. I’m optimistic that we have what it takes to be a fine football team.”

Key Players:

Cameron Hendershot: A senior TE/DE, Hendershot will be one of DCC's team captains this season. After racking up 58 tackles and 12 yards per catch in 2013, Hendershot will be a go-to player both on offense and defense for the Shamrocks.

“This team has put in a ton of hard work and has a great attitude,” the 6-foot-3, 240-pound Hendershot said. “We’re going to do more to finish every play and do what’s best for the team. We look a lot better on the lines. We can still improve on our skill positions, but we are getting there.”

DCC Senior Jordan Jenkins (46) attempts to tackle Brother Rice QB Alex Malzone (12)
Jarrad Henderson / DFP

Jordan Jenkins: Jenkins was the team's leading tackler last year, notching 89. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound linebacker should be even better this year, and a tough match-up to handle.

The Shamrocks lost their starting quarterback, two leading running backs, starting linemen, and their top DB's to graduation. A lot of young guys will be filling in, but talent is there.

Senior quarterback Joe Fanning (6'1", 190) was DCC's back-up to Sean Birney last season, so expect him to be your starter unless someone else impresses.

According to last year's official roster, Francesco Russo (6'0", 255) and Graham Gausden (6'4", 260) are their largest listed returning lineman. Size isn't everything, and one thing we know about the Shamrocks is that they boast the top lines in the state year in and year out. No word on who their starting lines may be this year, but something tells me they will be pretty good.

 As far as receivers go, DCC has size, size and more size. The Shamrocks have several receivers returning that are 6'0" and above that could pose a problem to Muskegon's DB's.

Prediction Based on Flimsy Evidence:

Both teams have lost key players to graduation, but Muskegon happens to return more firepower. The game will be played in Hackley Stadium, a place Muskegon has been nigh unbeatable over the past decade. DCC is a legit threat and will be one of the top teams in Division 1 this year, but the Big Reds will pull through this year. Next year's game may be a different story.

Maxwell: Muskegon 24, Novi Detroit Catholic Central 21

Najee: Muskegon 42, Novi Detroit Catholic Central 22

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