Lions enter Week 9 at 7-1 as NDCL celebrates Homecoming, 30 years of marching band, and the 2001 State Championship Baseball Team.
Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin returns to Lion Stadium on Friday, October 16, to host Elyria Catholic in a North Coast Conference matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
Friday's game will be part of a special Homecoming celebration as NDCL welcomes alumni back to campus, recognizes the 30th anniversary of its marching band program, and honors the 2001 State Championship Baseball Team on the 25th anniversary of its historic achievement.
The evening will also feature the presentation of the 2026 Homecoming Court and a special alumni guest appearance on the Lions Sports Network broadcast.
Game Preview: Lions Look to Continue Momentum
NDCL enters Week 9 with a 7-1 record and a six-game winning streak following last Friday's 35-7 victory over Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (CVCA).
The Lions have put together an impressive stretch of football since their Week 2 setback against West Geauga, earning victories over Kenston, Benedictine, Bedford, Holy Name, Padua Franciscan, and CVCA.
NDCL is currently ranked No. 3 in the OHSAA Division III, Region 9 computer ratings released October 13. With two games remaining in the regular season, the Lions are positioning themselves for postseason play.
Friday's opponent, Elyria Catholic, enters the contest at 3-5. The Panthers compete in Division III, Region 10, and will look to challenge the Lions in another North Coast Conference matchup.
NDCL will conclude the regular season at home against Lake Catholic on Friday, October 23, for Senior Night.
View the Latest OHSAA Football Computer Ratings
Homecoming 2026
Homecoming festivities will highlight Friday's halftime program as NDCL celebrates its students, alumni, and school traditions.
The halftime celebration will feature:
-
Performance by the Elyria Catholic marching band
-
NDCL Alumni Band performance and recognition of the marching band's 30th anniversary
-
Homecoming musical selection
-
Presentation of the 2026 Homecoming Court, featuring 10 students, and the Homecoming announcement
-
Additional NDCL Marching Band performance, time permitting
The celebration will bring together generations of Lions while recognizing the students and traditions that make Homecoming a special part of the NDCL experience.
Honoring the 2001 State Championship Baseball Team
Between the first and second quarters, NDCL will recognize members of the 2001 State Championship Baseball Team as part of the 25th anniversary of the program's historic achievement.
Twenty-five years ago, the Lions captured NDCL's first baseball state championship, establishing a legacy that continues to be celebrated throughout the school community.
The following team members and coaches are scheduled to be recognized:
-
Mike Madsen
-
Brandon Finomore
-
Garrett Maguire
-
Bryan Colosi
-
Mitch Miklus
-
Eric Bockmuller
-
Brian Keeney
-
Ed Majec
-
Mike Consolo
-
Paul Algier
-
Head Coach Jim Clark
NDCL Athletics is proud to welcome these former Lions back to campus and recognize their place in school history.
Friday Night Game Information
Matchup: NDCL Lions (7-1) vs. Elyria Catholic Panthers (3-5)
Date: Friday, October 16, 2026
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Lion Stadium – Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School
Address: 13000 Auburn Road, Chardon, OH 44024
Conference: North Coast Conference
Special Events: Homecoming, 30th Anniversary of the NDCL Marching Band, 2001 State Championship Baseball Team Recognition
Tickets & Admission
Tickets are available online in advance or at the stadium.
-
Adults: $10 online (plus fees) or $10 cash at the gate
-
Senior Citizens: $5 cash at the gate
-
Visiting High School Students: $5 cash at the gate
-
NDCL Students: FREE with student ID
-
Children Grades K–8: FREE
Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance and arrive early to enjoy the evening's Homecoming festivities.
PURCHASE TICKETS – NDCL ATHLETICS
Watch Live – Lions Sports Network
Can't make it to Lion Stadium? The Lions Sports Network (LSN) will provide live coverage of Friday night's matchup against Elyria Catholic.
Student broadcasters Mateo Paul '27 and Henry Bair '29 will bring fans the action, with a special alumni guest joining the broadcast during the third quarter.
WATCH LIVE – LIONS SPORTS NETWORK ON YOUTUBE
Special Alumni Guest: Zak Smith '18
NDCL alumnus Zak Smith '18 will return to campus for Homecoming and join the Lions Sports Network as a special guest color commentator during the third quarter.
Smith, who works professionally in broadcasting for Eastern Oklahoma State College, will also participate in Friday's alumni band celebration.
During the broadcast, Smith will share memories of his time at NDCL, discuss his career in broadcasting, and reflect on what it means to return for Homecoming.
His appearance provides a unique opportunity for NDCL's student broadcasters to connect with an alumnus working professionally in the field while adding another special element to the evening's coverage.
Fans are encouraged to subscribe to the Lions Sports Network YouTube channel to support NDCL's student broadcasters and stay connected with future broadcasts.
Game Day Schedule
-
7:00 p.m. – NDCL vs. Elyria Catholic kickoff
-
Between 1st and 2nd Quarters – Recognition of the 2001 State Championship Baseball Team
-
Halftime – Visiting Band, Alumni Band and 30th Anniversary Recognition, Homecoming Court Presentation and Homecoming Announcement
-
3rd Quarter – Zak Smith '18 joins the Lions Sports Network broadcast as special guest color commentator
Celebrating Our Past, Building Our Future
Friday night represents an opportunity to bring together generations of Lions while celebrating the traditions and achievements that continue to shape Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin.
From recognizing a historic state championship team to welcoming back alumni musicians and celebrating the next generation of NDCL students, Homecoming provides a reminder of the lasting connections formed through the school community.
Join us Friday night at Lion Stadium as the Lions take on Elyria Catholic and celebrate Homecoming 2026.
GO LIONS!
