Detroit Catholic Central High School

1936, 1937, 1938 FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONS

One of the greatest football dynasties in the State of Michigan had its beginnings with the 1936, 1937 and 1938 Catholic Central Shamrock teams Coached by FL James Martin, CSB and ML John Hackett. These teams established the longest winning streak of that era, going undefeated at 26-0, while scoring 1019 points to their opponents 53. Based on the sports writers and press releases of the time, the 1936, 1937 and 1938 teams were designated "mythical" State Champions. The 1936 team was invited to play in the Christmas Day National Football Classic in Miami, FL. The legendary Lloyd Brazil of the University of Detroit called the 1937 team "the best high school team I've ever seen here. 1938 team completed the three year 26-0 victory record and Governor Frank D. Fitzgerald presented CC with the Goodfellow trophy, emblematic of the City and State Championships. There were ten (10) All-City players (H. Groth, A. Groth, Banonis, Dilworth, Piatek, Michuta, Mitchell, Hartner, McHale, Swiercz); four CC men made the First All-State football team in Michigan in 1938 (Co-captain Bob Mitchell - named Detroit's best all-around athlete; Harry Groth - leading scoring back in the nation; teamed with Henry Piatek they were known as the "touchdown twins; Vince Banonis - recognized as the state's best center .