Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin closes out the 2026 regular season on Friday, October 23, as the Lions host Lake Catholic at Lion Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Friday's matchup features two programs preparing for postseason competition, with NDCL entering at 8-1 and Lake Catholic at 6-3. The evening will also include Senior Night recognitions for football, cheerleading, and marching band, along with Football Alumni Night and a special pregame tribute.

Game Preview: Lions Enter Week 10 Ranked Fourth in Region 9

NDCL enters its regular-season finale riding a seven-game winning streak following last week's victory over Elyria Catholic.

In the October 20 OHSAA football computer ratings, the Lions are ranked fourth in Division III, Region 9, with a rating of 19.7313. Lake Catholic enters the matchup ranked seventh in the same region, with a rating of 17.6508.

Both programs have secured postseason berths, but Friday's result remains important as the final playoff seedings take shape.

Under the 2026 OHSAA playoff format, the top 12 teams in each region qualify for the postseason, with the top four receiving first-round byes. The final computer ratings and playoff pairings will be announced Sunday, October 25.

With NDCL currently occupying the fourth position, the Lions have an opportunity to strengthen their case for a first-round bye and favorable postseason positioning.

Fans can follow the updated playoff picture through the official OHSAA ratings and Joe Eitel's regional projections.

OHSAA Football Computer Ratings – October 20

Division III, Region 9 Playoff Rankings – Joe Eitel

Senior Night – Celebrating the Class of 2027

Friday's festivities begin at 6:15 p.m. with recognition of NDCL's senior football players and cheerleaders.

The pregame ceremony will celebrate the contributions, dedication, and commitment of these student-athletes throughout their time at Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin.

Senior members of the NDCL Marching Band will be recognized during halftime.

Families and guests attending the pregame recognitions are encouraged to arrive early.

Halftime: Marching Band Senior Recognition and Combined Performance

Halftime will feature the recognition of NDCL's senior marching band members, celebrating their years of dedication to the program and their contributions to the school's traditions.

The NDCL and Lake Catholic marching bands will also come together for a special combined musical performance, highlighting the shared spirit of the two school communities.

Football Alumni Night

NDCL Football will welcome former Lions back to Lion Stadium for Football Alumni Night.

Approximately 25–30 alumni are expected to attend, with the possibility of additional former players joining the celebration.

Alumni will gather before kickoff, reconnect with former teammates, and have the opportunity to greet the current Lions as they enter the field through the tunnel.

The evening provides an opportunity to celebrate the program's history while connecting generations of NDCL football players.

Remembering Coach John Gibbons

Immediately before kickoff, NDCL and Lake Catholic will join together in a moment of silence honoring the memory of Coach John Gibbons, who passed away in April.

A proud 1962 graduate of Cathedral Latin, Coach Gibbons went on to serve as a longtime teacher and football coach at Lake Catholic, where he made a lasting impact on generations of young men both on the field and in the classroom.

Friday's tribute recognizes his connection to both school communities and celebrates a life dedicated to education, athletics, and the development of young people.

NDCL Athletics extends its continued thoughts and prayers to the Gibbons family and the Lake Catholic community.

Game Information

• Matchup: NDCL Lions (8-1) vs. Lake Catholic Cougars (6-3)

• Date: Friday, October 23, 2026

• Senior Night Recognition: 6:15 p.m.

• Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.

• Location: Lion Stadium, Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin

• Address: 13000 Auburn Road, Chardon, OH 44024

• Special Events: Senior Night, Football Alumni Night, Marching Band Senior Recognition, Combined Band Performance, Coach John Gibbons Memorial Tribute

Tickets and Admission

Fans planning to attend Friday night's game can find game-day information and ticket details through NDCL Athletics.

NDCL Athletics Tickets

Official Game Day Information

Watch or Listen Live

Fans unable to attend can follow Friday night's matchup through two broadcast options.

Lions Sports Network (LSN) will provide live video coverage on its official YouTube channel.

Watch Live – Lions Sports Network on YouTube

Malta Broadcasting's Integrity Radio will carry the game locally on 101.5 FM and 1330 AM. Fans outside the listening area can follow the broadcast online.

Listen Live – Integrity Radio

One Final Regular Season Friday Night at Lion Stadium

As the Lions prepare for the postseason, Friday's regular-season finale offers an opportunity to celebrate the seniors who have helped shape the program, welcome back alumni who have worn the NDCL uniform, and honor the traditions connecting Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin and Lake Catholic.

Join us at Lion Stadium for Senior Night as the Lions close out the regular season and prepare for the road ahead.

GO LIONS!