1990 FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONS
The 1990 football team captured the program’s first-ever Division AA State Championship, a title well deserved after avenging two (2) regular-season losses. The Shamrocks dominated defensively over their final eight (8) games, outscoring opponents by an average of 21 points.
At the halfway point of the season, Catholic Central held a 3-2 record, and playoff hopes appeared slim. The team responded by refocusing on ball control and a stingy defense. The turnaround began in the Boys’ Bowl, where the Shamrocks delivered a commanding 32-0 victory over Brother Rice, the largest margin of victory in Boys’ Bowl history. The defense forced multiple turnovers and did not allow the Warriors to cross midfield until the second half.
Following two additional victories, Catholic Central advanced to the Silverdome to face DePorres for the Catholic High School League (CHSL) title. Entering the final game of the regular season at 6-2, it was do-or-die for the Shamrocks. They responded with a decisive 31-0 win, as the “brick wall” defense shut down DePorres’ running game and did not allow a single completed pass.
In the playoffs, CC defeated Ypsilanti 17-6 and Canton 35-33 to claim the Regional Title. The Shamrocks then faced heavily favored Saginaw and its vaunted offense in the semifinals. The “brick wall” defense delivered again, pitching a shutout while the offense powered a 21-0 victory.
In a nearly flawless State Championship performance against undefeated Detroit King, the Shamrocks secured the first Division AA title in program history—avenging both early-season losses and defeating two (2) other state champion teams along the way.
First Row (L to R): Matt Roney • Stephen Sucher • Allen Barbarich • Jeff Tibaldi • Russ Curcuru • Gary Gurgold • Jack Davidson • Brian Chancy • Karl Kowalyk • Kerry Zavagnin • Mario Vassallo • Frank Yoakam • Stan Targosz
Second Row (L to R): Jonathon Brand • Jason Carr • Mike Wakenell • Jeff Rees • Blaise Krol • Jon Barbara • Mike Thomas • Eric Wiklendt • Dan Gusoff • Mitch MacDonald • Matt Pinard • Steven Leiger
Third Row (L to R): Dan Suhajda • Andy Kronk • Gary Stegall • David Dominick • John Ivezic • Bill Cilluffo II • Bob Edwards • Matt Goebel • Dan Kelly • Brett Walter • Dan Cretu
Fourth Row (L to R): Steve Paciorka • Kevin Malkiewicz • John Green • Brent Jenkins • Rob Sylvester • Brian Brewer • Dave Bruhowzki • Mike Grimes • Ar'Shon Stewart • Jim Buda • Eric Starkweather
Fifth Row (L to R): Assistant Coaches: Dan Fortune • Dave Lewis • Brian Tressler • Jim Ryan • Head Coach: Tom Mach • Assistant Head Coach: Rick Coratti • Assistant Coaches: Kevin Tulley • George Kunec • Curtis Sieczkowski
ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME
