Survival of the fittest

By Sue Teggart
C & G Sports Writer

Catholic League boys soccer looks tougher than ever with new competition in the mix

Realignment and the addition of two newcomers — Macomb Lutheran North and Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood — have created new opportunities and league rivalries for boys soccer teams in the Catholic League.

As associate members, these new additions cannot compete for a Catholic League tournament championship, but they can vie for the top spot in their respective divisions.

Here’s how the league’s three division breakdown this season.

The mainstays

The Central Division will essentially remain the same: Warren De La Salle, Novi Detroit Catholic Central, Birmingham Brother Rice and University of Detroit Jesuit will battle for bragging rights.

The only change is that Dearborn Divine Child has moved into the AA Division.

For the last four years, the Pilots have dominated the AB Catholic League championship.


Coach Thaier Mukhtar said DLS returned to the pitch ready to play after graduating 13 players, four of whom continued their careers at D-1 schools.

“We’ve got a bunch of players who are foaming at the mouth to get the opportunity to play,” Mukhtar said. “They haven’t had their chance to shine … and now they have a chance to step in. I really think we’ve got a lot of surprises.”

Winning a state championship is always at the forefront for the top contenders. Last year, the Pilots fell short of that goal after a shootout loss to Sterling Heights High in the opening round of districts.

“We’ve got guys who have a bad taste in their mouth about how last year ended, and they’re going to come out and prove a point,” Mukhtar said. “The work ethic of this team is excellent. Everything we do we do united. We’re getting back to blue-collar soccer.”

Though Rice finished third place in the Central last year, it went on to capture the ultimate prize in a D-1 state title. Coach Barry Brodsky has plenty of reason to be optimistic about his team’s prospects against this season.

“We know, as defending state champions, everyone is going to be looking to knock us off this year,” Brodsky said. “We will embrace that challenge. In the Catholic League, our rivalries are so strong. I don’t think how you did the past year really affects anyone. … Our goal is to try and get this year’s team to believe in each other and give our best effort day in and day out.  

“If we can accomplish that, then our season will be a success and anything is possible.”

Seniors Adam Gorski, Sean Koza, Matt Biehl and Cameron Ireland, and sophomore Matt Habrowski lead the squad.

AA Division

Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Preparatory, Pontiac Notre Dame Preparatory and Divine Child make up the AA Division.

Madison Heights Bishop Foley — formerly in the AA Division — moved into the Tri-Sectional Division.

After ending the season in the opening round of the district tournament,  Notre Dame is looking  to be a more defensive-minded squad.

“The team has recommitted itself to the defensive side of the game, and we are hoping that we will show our biggest improvement in this area,” coach Doug Green said. “Our expectations at Notre Dame Prep are always high.  We anticipate that we will compete for the AA Conference championship.”

The Fighting Irish will rely heavily on the senior leadership of Connor Rehm, Nate Navarre, Josh Dominique and Hayden Smith. 

As for St. Mary’s, the Lakers welcome 11 newcomers to the varsity roster and believe the program is heading in the right direction.

Coach Joe Ruffolo said his focus is to continue to add to what St. Mary’s has accomplished in its first three seasons.

“This will be the second season of fielding a JV team, and they will be playing a full JV

Catholic League schedule this season,” Ruffolo said. “Being able to have a JV team is very important to us as we continue to build up our soccer program. “

As for the division, the Eaglets aim to improve on last year’s 1-5-2 finish.

Tri-Sectional

The Tri-Sectional Division sees the biggest changes, with Cranbrook Kingswood and Lutheran North joining the league after the dissolution of the Metro Conference.

Altogether, nine teams make up the division in Allen Park Cabrini, Bishop Foley, Cranbrook, Lutheran North, Marine City Cardinal Mooney, Riverview Gabriel Richard, Royal Oak Shrine Catholic, Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes and West Bloomfield Frankel Jewish Academy.

While Cabrini led the way last year at 5-1-2, Foley defeated the Monarchs 5-0 in the Catholic League playoffs and advanced to win the CD championship for the second straight year.

Foley coach John Pisacreta said he is eager to face off against Lutheran North and Cranbrook, which the squad tied and defeated, respectively, in non-league games last year.

“We are excited to have both (squads) in our league,” said Pisacreta. “Both programs have a winning tradition and draw quality players.”

Likewise, the new squads welcome the new challenge playing in the Catholic League presents.

“Moving into the Catholic League is going to be a good challenge for us,” said Brian Horvath, the Lutheran North coach. “Moving up, and that’s what it is, a step up, we’ll be able to play against some better teams on a more consistent basis.”

Over at Cranbrook, which ended last season in the D-3 state semifinals, coach Chad O’Kulich said he is also eager to test his team in the tough league.

“I like the fact that the competition is good,” O’Kulich said. “We’re happy to still play Lutheran North, and Bishop Foley is very good. Shrine, as well, is very strong. I’m looking forward to a good year.”

You can reach Sports Writer Sue Teggart at steggart@candgnews.com or at (586) 279-1107.

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Sue Teggart at steggart@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1107.