GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WKZO-AM/FM) – Grand Rapids Catholic Central’s journey through the 2026 Michigan High School Athletic Association Football Playoffs ended Monday, after Kent County Circuit Court Judge Paul Denenfield upheld the MHSAA’s October 29th decision to disqualify the Cougars from the tournament for using an ineligible player for six games this season.
A teammate, Noah Zainea, filed an injunction against the order the day after it was issued, and Judge Denenfield granted a temporary restraining order which allowed Catholic Central to play their scheduled Division 5 District Semifinal game against Comstock Park on November 3rd. Catholic Central won the game 56-13, and Zainea and MHSAA representatives returned to court on November 6th for the show-cause hearing that led to Monday’s ruling. School President Greg Deja said in a statement that the school will not file an appeal.
As a result of the ruling, Berrien Springs, who would’ve faced Catholic Central Tuesday in a District Final, will now play Grand Rapids West Catholic in a Regional Final contest on Saturday.
Comments