High school football in Northeast Ohio is basically a religion, and if you're talking about the holy ground of the North Coast League, you're talking about Notre Dame Cathedral Latin football. It's a mouthful. Most people just say NDCL. But the history behind those four letters is heavy, man. It’s a story of two different schools, Cathedral Latin and Notre Dame Academy, smashing together in 1988 and trying to figure out how to maintain a winning tradition that dates back to the early 1900s.
They play on a campus in Chardon that feels more like a college setting than a high school. Trees everywhere. Cold winds coming off Lake Erie. If you've ever stood on the sidelines at Lozick Field during an October Friday night, you know that the air just hits different. It's gritty.
The Merger That Changed Everything for NDCL
You can’t understand Notre Dame Cathedral Latin football without acknowledging the ghost of Cathedral Latin. That school was a legend in downtown Cleveland. We’re talking about a program that won 11 city championships. They were the "Lions." When they merged with Notre Dame Academy to become the Lions of NDCL, there was this massive pressure to keep that dominance alive in a suburban setting.
The transition wasn't exactly a straight line to glory. Moving from the heart of the city to the rolling hills of Geauga County changed the recruitment pool and the culture. But they kept the gold and blue. They kept the pride. Honestly, the early years of the merger were about survival as much as they were about winning. They had to blend a storied boys' athletic history with a new co-ed identity.
It worked. Eventually.
By the early 2000s, NDCL wasn't just a "merger school" anymore. They were a problem for everyone else in the division.
Why the 2000s Were the Golden Era (Mostly)
If you ask any die-hard fan about the peak of Notre Dame Cathedral Latin football, they’re going to point to the mid-to-late 2000s. That’s when things got real. In 2001, they made a serious run, but 2003 was when the state really started paying attention.
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Then came 2009.
That year was a rollercoaster. They went 9-4, which sounds decent, but you have to look at who they were playing. They weren't ducking anyone. Under coaches like Ben Malbasa, the Lions developed this reputation for being technically sound. They didn't always have the biggest D1 recruits—though they've had their fair share—but they played a style of football that was just... annoying to play against. They were disciplined. They didn't beat themselves.
That 2009 playoff run to the regional finals? That’s still the benchmark for a lot of the kids wearing the jersey today. They lost to a powerhouse, but they proved that a private school in Chardon could punch weights with the big boys from Akron and Cleveland.
The Lozick Field Advantage and the Chardon Rivalry
Let's talk about the atmosphere. Notre Dame Cathedral Latin football thrives on its environment. When they renovated the stadium and added the turf, it changed the speed of their game. But more importantly, it solidified their spot as a destination.
But there’s a catch.
They share a zip code with Chardon High School. If you know Ohio football, you know the Hilltoppers are a machine. Being the "other" team in Chardon is tough. It creates this chip on the shoulder for NDCL players. They’re often seen as the "private school kids," while Chardon is the gritty public powerhouse. That rivalry—even when it's not played every year—simmers under the surface of the entire community.
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Actually, the rivalry with schools like Benedictine and Archbishop Hoban is what really defines their schedule. Those are the games where the "Latin" part of the name really comes out. You'll see alumni from the 1960s showing up in their old letterman jackets, screaming for a school that technically doesn't exist anymore, yet lives on through these kids.
Coaching Shifts and the Modern Struggle
Winning isn't a permanent state. Lately, Notre Dame Cathedral Latin football has been in a bit of a transition phase. After the departure of long-time staples in the coaching staff, the program has faced some identity shifts.
It’s tough.
The North Coast League dissolved. Now, they’re playing in the Crown Conference. You're looking at a schedule featuring Walsh Jesuit, Lake Catholic, and Beaumont (well, not for football, obviously, but the conference vibe). It is a gauntlet. When you're playing teams that are essentially state-wide recruiters every single week, your margin for error is zero.
A few seasons ago, the record didn't reflect the talent. You’d see them lose games by 3 points to Top 10 ranked teams. That's the heartbreak of the Crown Conference. You can be one of the best 25 teams in the state and finish 5-5.
The Blueprint: How the Lions Get Back to the Top
So, how does Notre Dame Cathedral Latin football reclaim the throne? It’s not about finding a magic play. It’s about the trenches. Historically, when NDCL is good, they have a line that looks like it belongs in the MAC.
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- Leveraging the Alumni Base: The Cathedral Latin alumni association is one of the most powerful in the country. They have the resources. When that group is engaged, the facilities get better, the recruitment gets easier, and the "hype" around the program stays high.
- Dominating Geauga County: They have to win the battle for the local kids. A lot of talent from Mentor, Chardon, and Chesterland is heading to St. Ignatius or St. Edward. NDCL has to convince those families that they can get a pro-level experience without the hour-long commute to Ohio City or Lakewood.
- The Coaching Stability Factor: Every time a coach leaves, you lose a generation of players. Finding a guy who wants to stay for 20 years—a Coach Moran or a Coach Lombardo type—is the missing piece.
Real Talk on Recruitment and College Prospects
People think private schools just "get" players. It’s not that simple. Notre Dame Cathedral Latin football has to work for it. Over the years, they’ve sent guys to play at the next level, from D3 powerhouses like Mount Union to D1 programs.
Take a look at guys like Jerome Baker (who went to Benedictine, but is the type of player NDCL competes for). NDCL has produced guys like Harrison Carlin and others who moved on to solid college careers. They aren't a "football factory" in the way some national schools are, and frankly, that’s part of the appeal. It’s "Football-Plus." You get the education, the discipline, and a legitimate shot at playing Saturdays if you put in the work.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Program
Some fans think the merger "killed" the Cathedral Latin spirit. That's just wrong. If you go to a game, you'll see the "Latin Lion" logo. You'll hear the old stories. The merger didn't kill the tradition; it gave it a place to live when the old neighborhood changed.
Another misconception? That they’re "soft" because of the campus. Listen, Chardon in November is a frozen tundra. There is nothing soft about practicing in three inches of slush when the lake effect snow kicks in.
Actionable Steps for Fans and Parents
If you're looking to get involved or if your kid is thinking about playing for the Lions, here's the reality:
- Attend the Summer Camps: NDCL runs great youth camps. It's the best way to see the culture up close without the pressure of a Friday night.
- Check the Schedule Early: Because they play in the Crown Conference, tickets for games against Walsh or Lake Catholic sell out fast. Use the digital ticketing apps the school promotes; don't just show up at the gate expecting a seat.
- Focus on the "Total Package": If you're a parent, look at the academic support the football players get. The mandatory study halls and the tutor access are why these kids actually graduate and move on.
- Watch the Film: If you’re a player, get your Hudl highlights to the coaching staff early. The Lions' staff is known for being responsive, but they value local kids who show initiative.
Notre Dame Cathedral Latin football is currently in a "reload" phase. They have the stadium. They have the history. They have the alumni. Now, it's just about stringing together those wins in the toughest conference in Ohio. It’s not going to be easy, but since when has anything in Chardon been easy?