GRCC football’s Round 2 playoff fate won't be decided until Monday

Grand Rapids Catholic Central will have to wait a few more days to learn whether it can continue its run through the Division 5 football playoffs.

Kent County Circuit Court Judge Paul J. Denenfeld delayed his ruling until Monday, Nov. 9, after hearing arguments and testimony Friday, Nov. 6, in the eligibility dispute between Catholic Central senior kicker Noah Zainea and the Michigan High School Athletic Association.

Denenfeld said he wanted the weekend to deliberate before deciding whether Catholic Central can remain in the postseason. The team is scheduled to host Berrien Springs on Tuesday, Nov. 10, but that matchup hinges on his decision.

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The dispute stems from a teammate’s transfer-related ineligibility, which led the MHSAA to strip Catholic Central of five regular-season victories and remove it from the playoffs.

WOOD TV8 in Grand Rapids first reported the delay.

Zainea, who was not the ineligible player, independently sought a temporary restraining order Oct. 30. Denenfeld granted it that day, allowing Catholic Central to return to the postseason and defeat Comstock Park, 56-13, in a district semifinal.

The MHSAA appealed, but the Michigan Court of Appeals denied its request to block the order and its application for leave to appeal on Nov. 3.

More: Grand Rapids CC football beats MHSAA in court, Comstock Park on field

Friday’s hearing brought the dispute back before Denenfeld. Catholic Central athletic director Michael Jacob was among those who testified.

bfolsom@detroitnews.com

@folsomwrites

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: GRCC football’s Round 2 playoff fate won’t be decided until Monday