The Detroit Catholic Central Shamrocks opened their 2025–2026 football season with a 41–7 victory over Chippewa Valley in their first home game of the year on Friday, August 29.

Catholic Central established control early, moving the ball with a balanced mix of runs and passes. By halftime, the Shamrocks had built a strong lead and maintained it through the second half.

Defensively, Catholic Central limited Chippewa Valley's scoring opportunities. The Big Reds managed just one late touchdown, while the Shamrocks' front consistently applied pressure and slowed the run game.

The win marks a turnaround from recent meetings between the two programs. Chippewa Valley had defeated Catholic Central in the 2022 season opener and again in 2021, but this time the Shamrocks came out on top with a decisive result.

A large crowd filled Fr. Richard Elmer Stadium for the season opener, with students, families, and alumni on hand to support the team, and joined together to sing Happy Birthday to legendary coach Tom Mach.

With the win, Catholic Central begins the season 1–0 and will travel next week to face Toledo Central Catholic, one of Ohio's top programs.

The game's Players of the Week were nominated as: