It may seem a bit odd to claim the defending back to back MHSAA Division 5 state champions had to overcome incredible adversity this season to claim their third straight title. However, early this season, the Cougars were delivered a significant blow when senior quarterback Joey Silveri was sidelined for the season with a knee injury.

The stalwart slinger’s loss was a challenge that the cougars answered in spades. Central Catholic turned to John Passinault and the train kept rolling with the greatest test coming in the season finale at Ford Field.

Despite being heavily favored, the Marine City Mariners battled to keep things within just three points at 10-7 deep into the second half. Neither team could sustain drives and both defenses played incredibly well all evening. That stalemate began to unwind and the repeated blows finally wore the Mariners down.

When the levy finally broke, the Cougars proved ready to ride the wave and poured on points on the offensive and defensive ends. Central Catholic closed the book on the 2021 season with their third straight title: 31-7.