Football Tops Chardon, 35-7, in OHSAA Division III State Semifinals

The Central Catholic football team moved a step closer to securing a 2nd-straight state title with a 35-7 victory against Chardon on Friday in the OHSAA Division III semifinals at Elyria Mercy Field at Ely Stadium. With the post-season triumph, the Fighting Irish stretch their school-record winning streak to 30 games and improve to 15-0 overall.

CCHS will now advance to the state championship contest for the 6th time (2005, ’12, ’14, ’15, ’22, ‘23) under Head Coach Greg Dempsey and 7th time (1962) overall in program history. The Fighting Irish are seeking their 2nd-consecutive state crown and 6th (1962, 2005, ’12, ’14, ‘22) in their storied history.

The reigning D-II state champions finished with a sizable 376-96 edge in total yardage to snap the Hillopper’s (11-4) 8-game winning streak. The dynamic duo of senior RB Marquan Braswell and junior RB Tyler Morgan did the bulk of the damage on the ground, combining for 158 yards rushing and 1 score. Braswell totaled 92 yards rushing on 17 carries, followed closely Morgan with 66 yards on 11 attempts.

In addition to a strong ground attack, CCHS received 2 scores each from senior DB/WR Marvon Greenlee and senior WR Jaylen Watson to put the Scarlet & Gray firmly in control. Greenlee was credited with an 89-yard kickoff return for a score on the game’s opening play and had a 40-yard TD reception.  

Senior QB Terry Collins also had a solid performance under center, completing 5-of-9 passes for 125 yards and 2 TDs.

Central Catholic will battle Columbus Bishop Watterson (14-1) on Friday, Dec. 1 at 3 p.m. at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium (1835 Harrison Ave. Canton, 44708). The Eagles advanced to the state finals with a 27-14 win over Celina (12-3)\