NOVI, Mich. — Detroit Catholic Central, the Novi high school football powerhouse, climbed out of a 14-point hole in the fourth quarter Friday and beat Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 27-20, stretching a long streak in Week 7 of the Michigan season.
Ranked among the state’s top Division 1 contenders, the Shamrocks finished the comeback on the road after trailing 20-6 at the break. Defending Division 2 champion Orchard Lake St. Mary’s built that lead but failed on every PAT and two-point try — three in all.
Senior Gideon Gash, committed to Texas Tech, sparked the rally with an interception, a 6-yard wildcat receiver-sweep score, and a 50-yard sweep touchdown later in the fourth. A late fumble forced by Catholic Central set up Ryan Jaafar’s 4-yard score with roughly 10 seconds left.
Starter Duke Banta watched in a sling after a collarbone injury from the prior week’s win over Toledo Central Catholic. Peyton Sofran moved from receiver to quarterback and kept the offense moving while managing lingering issues from that game.
When Orchard Lake’s final Hail Mary fell incomplete, Coach Justin Cessante’s sideline erupted. The win made it 21 straight for Catholic Central and kept the Shamrocks on pace in the Catholic League Central Division race.
Catholic Central came in on a streak dating to late 2024 and used turnovers from Gash and linebacker J.J. Chevalier, plus pressure from edge rusher Josiah Neal, to stay within reach before the fourth-quarter surge.
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