Football Sprints Past Tiffin Columbian in Region 10 Final of OHSAA Division III State Playoffs, 41-6

The Central Catholic football team ran its way to a 41-6 victory against No. 3 seed Tiffin Columbian on Friday in the Region 10 Final of the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Division III State Playoffs at Clyde High School’s Robert J. Bishop, Jr. Stadium. With the post-season triumph, the Fighting Irish (14-0) advance to the state semifinals for the 8th time (2012, ’14, ’15, ’16, ’17, ’19, ’22, ’23) in the last 12 seasons. The win also marked Head Coach Greg Dempsey’s 250th victory patrolling the CCHS sidelines.

The No. 1 seed Scarlet & Gray totaled a season-high 465 rushing yards vs. the Tornadoes (11-3) to extend its school-record winning streak to 29 games. Senior RB Marquan Braswell fueled the ground attack with a game-high 184 yards on 18 carries, including a TD run. Junior RB Tyler Morgan added 139 yards in 12 attempts, posting a contest-best 3 TD runs. As a team, CCHS averaged a whopping 9.89 yards per rush. Their previous-best effort was 341 yards on the ground vs. Findlay in the season opener.

Central Catholic’s other 2 scores came from senior WR Jaylen Watson. The 2023 All-Catholic League selection crossed the goal line on the ground and through the air from senior QB Terry Collins, Jr.

For the game, Collins completed an efficient 7-of-9 passes for 169 yards and 2 TDs.

CCHS and TC squared off in the postseason for the 2nd time since 2013. That year, Central Catholic posted a 42-13 victory in the 2nd round of the D-III state playoffs on a neutral field.

The reigning D-II state champions will now battle Region 9 winner, No. 7 seed Chardon (11-3), in the state semifinals on Friday, Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. at Elyria Mercy Field at Ely Stadium. The Hilltoppers upset previously unbeaten Youngstown Ursuline, 31-14.