Prep FootballTuesday, November 3
The MHSAA appeals the order that put Catholic Central back in the playoffs
The Good Day Grand Rapids team
If you're headed to Catholic Central's stadium tonight, here's where things stand. The MHSAA filed an emergency appeal Monday asking the Michigan Court of Appeals to vacate a temporary restraining order that put Grand Rapids Catholic Central back in the Division 5 playoffs. The MHSAA's website still lists the Cougars against Comstock Park at 7 p.m. Tuesday, but WOOD says it's unclear if the game will go on as scheduled.
The Catholic Central dispute has moved fast since Oct. 26
- Oct. 26The MHSAA receives video of a potential buyer touring the player's family home.
- Oct. 29The MHSAA announces Catholic Central is out of the Division 5 playoffs.
- Oct. 30A Kent County judge grants a temporary restraining order reinstating the team.
- Nov. 2The MHSAA files an emergency appeal with the Michigan Court of Appeals.
- Nov. 3Catholic Central is slated to host Comstock Park at 7 p.m.
- Nov. 6A show-cause hearing is scheduled in the 17th Circuit Court.
Sources: Detroit Free Press, FOX 17
The judge granted the order Friday, Oct. 30. Court filings say the MHSAA received video on Oct. 26 of a potential buyer touring the ineligible player's family home, with family photos on the wall and food in the fridge. The MHSAA's attorneys maintain the game shouldn't be played because it isn't fair to schools and players who followed the rules.
- Forfeited: five wins, dropping Catholic Central from 7-2 to 2-7
- Plaintiff: not the ineligible player; the school isn't a party
- Next hearing: show-cause, Fri., Nov. 6, 17th Circuit Court
- Winner's next game: Berrien Springs Friday, depending on the court
Five forfeits flipped Catholic Central's record from 7-2 to 2-7
| Before forfeits | Measure | After forfeits |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Wins | 2 |
| 2 | Losses | 7 |
Source: Detroit Free Press
Sources: Detroit Free Press, FOX 17, WOODTV.com