The Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin football team returns to Lion Stadium on Friday, October 9, to host Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (CVCA) in a North Coast Conference matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
Friday's game will also feature two special celebrations of NDCL's history and traditions as the school welcomes Cathedral Latin alumni for Come Home Men of Latin and recognizes the 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame induction class.
Game Preview: Lions Look to Continue Winning Streak
NDCL enters Week 8 with a 6-1 record and a five-game winning streak following last week's road victory over Padua Franciscan. The Lions return home for the first time since their Week 3 victory over Kenston.
The Lions are ranked fourth in the latest OHSAA Division III, Region 9 computer ratings, released October 6. With three weeks remaining in the regular season, NDCL looks to continue building momentum toward the postseason.
Standing in their way are the CVCA Royals, who enter Friday's matchup at 4-3 overall and 1-1 in North Coast Conference play under Head Coach Nick Cook.
The Royals are coming off a dramatic 26-25 victory over Holy Name in Week 7. CVCA has also earned victories over Canton South (49-7), Garfield (34-0), and Boardman (28-7). Their three losses have come against Brecksville-Broadview Heights, Woodridge, and Lake Catholic.
Through seven games, CVCA is averaging 24.4 points per contest while allowing 14.6 points per game.
Friday's contest carries additional significance as both NDCL and CVCA compete in Division III, Region 9, making the matchup important for conference standings and postseason positioning.
The Lions will close the regular season with three consecutive home games, hosting Elyria Catholic on October 16 and Lake Catholic on October 23.
Come Home Men of Latin
Friday evening, NDCL will welcome Cathedral Latin School alumni back to campus for the annual Come Home Men of Latin celebration.
The evening begins at 5:00 p.m. with a pregame tailgate under the stadium grandstand, featuring food, beverages, and an opportunity for Cathedral Latin alumni to reconnect with classmates and friends before the 7:00 p.m. kickoff.
The celebration honors the enduring legacy of Cathedral Latin School and the generations of alumni whose traditions continue to shape the NDCL community.
Come Home Men of Latin – Event Information
Athletic Hall of Fame Weekend
Friday's football game will also serve as part of NDCL's 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame Weekend.
Between the first and second quarters, NDCL will recognize eight individuals who will be formally inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, October 10.
The 2026 inductees are:
-
William Bambrick – Cathedral Latin Class of 1926 (represented by his son, John)
-
John Egan – Cathedral Latin Class of 1950
-
Patrick Hoynes – Cathedral Latin Class of 1968
-
Lisa Bizjak – Notre Dame Academy Class of 1982
-
Coach Alex Dowger – NDCL Bowling and Tennis Coach
-
Michael Herringshaw – NDCL Class of 2006
-
Dani (Ramos) Murnane – NDCL Class of 2011
-
Liz (Weiler) Pelechaty – NDCL Class of 2011
These individuals represent generations of athletic excellence and achievement across Cathedral Latin School, Notre Dame Academy, and Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin.
The weekend's celebration will continue Saturday, October 10, with the Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon.
NDCL Athletic Hall of Fame – Event Information
Friday Night Game Information
Matchup: NDCL Lions (6-1) vs. CVCA Royals (4-3)
Date: Friday, October 9, 2026
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Lion Stadium – Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School
Conference: North Coast Conference
Tickets & Admission
-
Adults: $10 (online or 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
Adult tickets may be purchased in advance through the NDCL Athletics online ticket office.
Purchase Tickets – NDCL Athletics
Special Events Schedule
-
5:00 p.m. – Come Home Men of Latin alumni tailgate
-
7:00 p.m. – NDCL vs. CVCA kickoff
-
Between the 1st and 2nd quarters – Recognition of the 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees
-
Saturday, October 10 – Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon
Watch Live – Lions Sports Network
Can't make it to Lion Stadium? The Lions Sports Network will provide a live broadcast of Friday night's matchup against CVCA.
Student broadcasters Mateo Paul '27 and Henry Bair '29 will be on the call, bringing fans live play-by-play coverage of the Lions and Royals.
The broadcast will be available on NDCL's Hudl channel and the new Lions Sports Network YouTube channel.
Fans are encouraged to subscribe to the YouTube channel to support NDCL's student broadcasters and stay connected with future Lions Sports Network coverage.
Watch Live & Subscribe – Lions Sports Network on YouTube
Celebrating Our Past, Building Our Future
Friday night is more than a football game. It's an opportunity to welcome alumni home, celebrate the achievements of those who helped build NDCL's athletic legacy, and support the next generation of Lions as they continue their pursuit of a North Coast Conference championship and postseason success.
Join us at Lion Stadium for a special evening of football, tradition, and Lion pride.
GO LIONS!