MHSAA appeals TRO reinstating Grand Rapids Catholic Central football

The Michigan High School Athletic Association has appealed to the state's Court of Appeals, contesting a temporary restraining order (TRO) that mandates the reinstatement of Grand Rapids Catholic Central in the MHSAA football Division 5 playoffs. On Monday, Nov. 2, the MHSAA sought to nullify the TRO issued on Friday, Oct. 30, in an effort to safeguard the authenticity of MHSAA rules and regulations.

In light of this development, Grand Rapids Catholic Central and Comstock Park are scheduled to play at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the CC high school campus, as per the MHSAA website.

Earlier in the week, the MHSAA revealed that Grand Rapids Catholic Central was ineligible to participate in the playoffs due to the player's use of an ineligible player in six regular-season games, resulting in five forfeited wins. Consequently, GRCC's record shifted from 7-2 to 2-7, disqualifying them from the postseason.

On Friday, a Grand Rapids Catholic Central student filed for a TRO against the MHSAA's decision, which was subsequently granted. The court mandated the MHSAA to reinstate Grand Rapids Catholic Central and arrange its district semifinal game against Comstock Park by the end of Tuesday.

Despite the MHSAA's appeal, the school defended its decision, stating that the ineligible player transferred to the institution in January 2026, and the school received a letter from the MHSAA confirming his athletic eligibility. The school also clarified that the ineligible player did not participate in its final two regular-season games.

A hearing to address the matter is set for Nov. 6 in the 17th Circuit Court, where Noah Zainea, the plaintiff, will face the Michigan High School Athletic Association.