At the CHSL Prep Bowl on Oct. 20 at Ford Field, two legendary teams were honored on the milestone anniversaries of their Catholic League triumphs.
25 years ago: Catholic Central romps
It was a romp 25 years ago for the Shamrocks of (at that time) Redford Catholic Central in the 1993 Prep Bowl.
In overwhelming Harper Woods Bishop Gallagher 35-0 for the Central AA Division championship, CC rolled up 378 in total offense, 341 rushing in a relentless ground attack.
Quarterback Barry Langelback scored on one- and two-yard plunges, and threw a 19-yard TD pass to Matt Ambroziak. Running back Fred Taylor gained 156 yards on 18 carries. He was among eight runners who combined for more than 300 yards.
Coach Tom Mach’s team had an 8-1 record but still didn’t qualify for the state tournament.
“Today was our state final game,” captain Tate Dobbs told the media then.
50 years ago: St. Clement ‘the best all around’
Center Line St. Clement beat Dearborn Sacred Heart, 21-7, a half-century ago for the Class A East-West championship, earning coach Al Baumgart’s effusive praise: “I think, no, I know, without a doubt this is the best all-around team I’ve ever coached.”
Tom Carney was a senior lineman. He came from Grand Rapids for the reunion of the 1968 Crusaders at the Prep Bowl. To him, the moment was not so much about reminiscing with old teammates, but having a chance to express their gratitude to coach Baumgart.
“You know, we were from a small town with small-town values," Carney said. "The coach taught us about honesty, integrity, work ethic. He did this for us, lessons that we lived for our life.”
NFL Hall of Famer Joe Delamielleure flew in from South Carolina for the reunion. He seconded the accolades for Baumgart: “He was the biggest influence in my life of any coach I’ve ever had.”
