Hall of Fame
Initially, things didn’t look promising for this future state championship football team. In the first game at the Silverdome, the talented Pershing Doughboys ran the opening kickoff for a TD. In contrast, the season finale had the Shamrocks leaving that same field in November carrying a state championship trophy. This team came out on top through all the blood, sweat, and tears and could say, “We’re number 1”.
The 1997 football team, which the Livonia Observer dared to say was the worst Catholic Central (CC) football team in the last ten years, showed the heart that it takes to win, including one of the most exciting Boys’ Bowl games ever (14-12 over Rice).
On the road to the “Dome,” the 12-1 Shamrocks faced stiff competition all season. They defeated Pershing (35-6), Pioneer (33-7), DeLaSalle (21-6), Gallagher (28-6), U of D (31-16) and Aquinas (31-2). They won the Catholic High School League (CHSL) with a win over Divine Child (35-0), and the Michigan High School Athletic Association Regional with a victory over Troy (21-3). In the semi-final, CC defeated Sterling Heights Stevenson 21-17, and in the final game against Ann Arbor Huron the Shamrocks “Brick Wall” defense held firm, and CC defeated the River Rats 23 to 7. Coach Mach stated: “The team always brought a great attitude and a great work ethic to every practice and game. This attitude “you can if you think you can!” was especially on display when we won the State Championship in a hard-fought battle.”
The captains, the heart and soul of the team, were Chris Dueweke, Ben Herman, Joe Sgroi (All-State & Rugged Jug), and Adam Tubaro (Team MVP). Don Slankster was also chosen All-State.
