Following a historic regular season, Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin returns to the field Friday, November 6, when the No. 2-seeded Lions (9-1) host No. 10 Gates Mills Hawken (8-3) in the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Division III, Region 9 Regional Quarterfinals.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Lion Stadium, with gates opening at 5:30 p.m.
NDCL earned a first-round bye after completing its most successful regular season in more than two decades. Under first-year Head Coach Sam Vander Ven, the Lions captured their first conference championship since 2012, finished undefeated in conference play, and recorded their first nine-win regular season since 2004.
The Lions enter the postseason riding an eight-game winning streak, while Hawken advances to Friday's matchup following an opening-round playoff victory.
A Memorable Regular Season for the Lions
After opening the season with a 42-16 victory at Struthers, NDCL suffered its only loss of the year, a 7-0 setback against West Geauga in Week 2.
The Lions responded by winning their final eight regular-season games, defeating Kenston, Benedictine, Bedford, Holy Name, Padua Franciscan, Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, Elyria Catholic, and Lake Catholic.
Along the way, NDCL developed an identity built around a balanced offensive attack, physical defense, and the ability to make critical plays in important moments.
One of the season's defining victories came September 24 against Holy Name. Trailing 20-19 in the closing minutes, quarterback Brady Capel directed a late scoring drive that ended with a 20-yard touchdown pass to Robby Lipowski. The Lions completed the comeback with a 27-20 victory.
NDCL also earned its first victory over Benedictine since 2012, defeating the Bengals 31-13, and secured consecutive wins over Padua Franciscan for the first time since 2018.
The Lions closed the regular season with a convincing 35-7 victory over rival Lake Catholic, clinching the conference championship and securing their first nine-win regular season since 2004.
Balanced Offense, Physical Defense Lead NDCL
NDCL averaged 29.5 points per game during the regular season while allowing just 10.9 points per contest.
Senior quarterback Brady Capel has been instrumental in directing the Lions' offense, making an impact both through the air and on the ground.
In the regular-season finale against Lake Catholic, Capel completed 20 of 23 passes for 164 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 128 yards and two additional scores.
Against Holy Name, Capel accounted for 317 yards of total offense, throwing for 160 yards and rushing for 157 yards with three combined touchdowns.
The Lions have also received significant contributions from Robby Lipowski and Braeden Ryan in the running game, along with receiving threats Blake Dummermuth, Casey McInnerney, Drake Berschig, Austin Otero, and Wesley Jacobson.
Defensively, NDCL has consistently limited opposing offenses and created scoring opportunities through turnovers.
The Lions held Lake Catholic to just 102 total yards in their regular-season finale and limited CVCA to 149 total yards in a 35-7 victory.
Against Elyria Catholic, Austin Otero recorded 12 tackles and three sacks, while Joe Velotta added 15 tackles and a sack. Braeden Ryan delivered a critical fourth-quarter interception that helped secure a 14-6 victory.
NDCL's defense has also produced several touchdowns this season, including interception returns by Casey McInnerney, Carmen Cirino, Blake Dummermuth, and Robby Lipowski.
Scouting the Hawken Hawks
Hawken enters Friday's contest with an 8-3 overall record under Head Coach Mark Iammarino.
The Hawks finished the regular season 7-3 before earning a victory in the opening round of the Division III playoffs.
Hawken averaged 28.8 points per game during the regular season, demonstrating the ability to produce points against a variety of opponents.
Among the Hawks' notable victories was a 27-26 overtime win against West Geauga, the same opponent responsible for NDCL's only regular-season loss.
Hawken also earned regular-season victories against Cleveland Central Catholic, Lutheran West, Orange, Edgewood, Jefferson Area, and Geneva.
The Hawks enter the regional quarterfinals looking to build on their opening-round success and continue their postseason run.
Regional Semifinal Berth on the Line
Friday's matchup brings together two Northeast Ohio programs that have taken different paths to the regional quarterfinals.
NDCL enters with momentum from an eight-game winning streak and the benefit of a first-round bye. Hawken arrives having already earned a postseason victory.
The winner advances to next week's Division III, Region 9 Regional Semifinals.
Game Information
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Matchup: No. 10 Hawken (8-3) at No. 2 NDCL (9-1)
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Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
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Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.
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Gates Open: 5:30 p.m.
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Location: Lion Stadium – Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin
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Address: 13000 Auburn Road, Chardon, OH 44024
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Tournament: OHSAA Division III, Region 9 Regional Quarterfinal
OHSAA Playoff Tickets and Admission
Although Friday's game will be played at Lion Stadium, it is an OHSAA tournament contest rather than a traditional NDCL home game. OHSAA ticket prices and admission policies will be in effect.
NDCL students must purchase a tournament ticket, as student IDs will not provide free admission.
Regular-season NDCL athletic passes, staff passes, booster passes, and conference passes will not be accepted unless specifically authorized by OHSAA.
Re-entry will not be permitted under normal tournament procedures.
Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance and arrive early to allow additional time for parking and stadium entry.
Purchase OHSAA Tournament Tickets
Parking Information
Regular-season NDCL parking privileges will not apply during Friday's OHSAA tournament contest.
There will be no designated booster parking or reserved spectator parking. All spectator parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early.
OHSAA Tournament Game-Day Procedures
NDCL will serve as the designated home team and host site for Friday's regional quarterfinal. However, game operations will follow OHSAA postseason regulations.
Fans can expect a tournament-style presentation, including OHSAA announcements, neutral treatment of both teams, and restrictions on artificial noisemakers and amplified sound during play.
Watch Live – Your Sports Network
Fans unable to attend Friday's game can follow the action through Your Sports Network (YSN).
YSN, an NFHS Network broadcast partner, has been assigned exclusive live broadcast rights for Friday's playoff contest.
Due to this postseason broadcast arrangement, the Lions Sports Network (LSN) will not provide its customary YouTube livestream.
Watch Live – Your Sports Network
The Road Continues
With a conference championship, an eight-game winning streak, and one of the program's strongest regular seasons in recent history, the Lions now turn their attention to the postseason.
Friday's regional quarterfinal presents an opportunity to continue a memorable season and advance one step closer to an OHSAA championship.
NDCL Athletics looks forward to welcoming both communities to Lion Stadium for an exciting night of playoff football.
GO LIONS!
