Prep FootballSaturday, November 7
A judge will rule Monday on whether Grand Rapids Catholic Central's playoff run continues
The Good Day Grand Rapids team
If you're following the Cougars, the wait runs through the weekend. Kent County Circuit Judge Paul Denenfeld delayed his ruling until Monday, Nov. 9 after Friday's hearing, and he'll issue a written opinion by late Monday afternoon. Catholic Central is scheduled to play Berrien Springs the next day.
The Michigan High School Athletic Association says a former Comstock Park player who transferred in January was ineligible, so Catholic Central forfeited six regular-season games. Kicker Noah Zainea, who wasn't that player, sued and won a temporary restraining order.
Forfeits turned Catholic Central's 7-2 record into 2-7
| Before forfeits | Measure | After forfeits |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Wins | 2 |
| 2 | Losses | 7 |
Source: mlive
The MHSAA says a video turned over to it showed the family hadn't moved. Zainea's attorneys call the case a "witch hunt" by Comstock Park.
- Hearing: athletic director Mike Jacob testified Friday
- Video: recorded by Angela Goyette, who didn't attend Friday's hearing
- Forfeits elsewhere: nine other schools this season, per MHSAA attorney
Catholic Central's season has swung on a few key dates
- Oct. 29Coach Todd Kolster tells players their season is done after six forfeits.
- Nov. 3Cougars beat Comstock Park, 56-13, under a temporary restraining order.
- Nov. 6Judge Denenfeld hears testimony and arguments in Zainea's case.
- Nov. 9Denenfeld will issue his written opinion by late afternoon.
- Nov. 10Catholic Central is scheduled to play Berrien Springs.
Sources: mlive, The Detroit News
Sources: FOX 17, mlive, The Detroit News