Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin football opened the 2026 season with a fast start and contributions across the lineup Friday night, building a 35-0 first-half lead on its way to a 42-16 road victory over Struthers.

The win marked the first for Sam Vander Ven as NDCL head coach.

NDCL established control on both sides of the ball in the opening half. The Lions produced 301 yards of balanced offense for the game, rushing for 156 yards and throwing for 145, while six different players found the end zone.

Quarterback Brady Capel accounted for four touchdowns. He threw for 145 yards and three scores while adding 31 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

Casey McInnerney provided another big-play option, catching three passes for 73 yards and a touchdown while adding 96 return yards.

The Lions were equally effective defensively. NDCL's first-team defense allowed just 14 yards, with Blake Dumermuth helping turn defense into offense. Dumermuth intercepted two passes and returned one for a touchdown.

Robby Lipowski contributed on both sides of the ball, rushing for 43 yards while making an impact defensively throughout the night.

The season opener also produced a memorable varsity first. Wesley Jacobson's first varsity reception resulted in a five-yard touchdown.

By halftime, NDCL had built a 35-0 advantage behind a combination of takeaways, explosive plays and balanced offensive production. Struthers scored 16 points after halftime, but the Lions' early command of the game provided more than enough separation to secure the season-opening victory.

With Vander Ven's first win secured and Week 1 complete, the Lions now turn their attention to their home opener against West Geauga.