With all of the players gone from the 2011 state runner-up team, Lansing Catholic wanted to add a new item to its resume: State Champion.
Quarterback Tony Poljan lead the Cougars to a 9-0 season and rallied them from a 14-point deficit in their semifinal win against Almont to give them a berth in the Division 5 championship game.
“We knew that this was a special team, but I’m not sure anyone knew how special it would turn out,” Poljan said. “Every game, we just continued to grow and get better and believe in the system.”
That was evident when undefeated Williamston met Catholic Central with the CAAC White championship on the line. Poljan threw for 405 yards and had four touchdowns in Catholic Central’s 50-14 victory.
“This year was so special to me,” said Poljan. “It’s easily the most fun I have ever had playing any sport. The guys and the chemistry on this team were unbelievable, and I was so lucky to have been a part of that. These friendships and memories will last a lifetime.”
Lansing Catholic lost in the second round of the playoffs last year, so this year, the Cougars were in unfamiliar territory. “I think we knew how good our offense was, going into the playoffs. The goal was to make sure our defense played well, and I think we did a pretty good job of that,” said Poljan.
The 2014 season ended in a 24-20 loss to Grand Rapids West Catholic, and some may say that the Cougars didn’t reach their goal. But Coach Ahern, Tony Poljan, and the rest of this team are secure in the knowledge that they did all they could do. With their leader coming back next season, Lansing Catholic has a bright future indeed.