Lumen Christi Faces Another Tough Schedule; Looks to Win Historic 5th Straight Title

Photos by Hannah Tacy & Henry Black, JTV Sports

David Rice | JTV Sports

Friday August 14th

(8-14-2026, 12:00PM): As long as the team can stay healthy and get into the playoffs, Lumen Christi HC Herb Brogan has told area reporters “we will be competitive”. “Competitive” would likely be a big under statement based on the last four seasons.

The Lumen Christi Titans are the four-time defending state champ (Division 7 2022-23, Division 6 ‘24-25) and are the favorites to do it again for a fifth straight year despite continuing to have an elite schedule. LC started 0-3 in 2022 before winning 11 straight with a title, and started 2-3 last season. The Titans finished 11-3 last season, defeating Kingsley in the D6 final; before getting to Ford Field, they won an all-time classic in 3OT over Almont in the semifinals.

Head Coach Herb Brogan returns for his 47th season at the helm. Brogan has won 14 state titles as a HC and is second all-time in state history in career wins with 432, 11 behind John Herrington of Farmington Hills Harrison (443). Brogan could potentially break the record if the Titans make another deep playoff run.

Sean Brogan returns as the offensive coordinator, and brother Shane Brogan takes over as defensive coordinator. Shane replaces Tony Panici, the longtime former DC who will now be calling the defense for Cody Bentley at Parma Western HS. Nearly every member of the coaching staff has been at LC for decades, Dan Horn is back as the line coach, Pete Lefere coaches the DBs, and the JV team is led by Joe Williams.

Several key players return for the Titans. Key players include senior QB Benny Gaston, a baseball commit for D1 Tulane University, Johnny Walters (RB/DB), Jake Contat (FB/LB), Owen Powers (LB), Luke Anderson (OL), Wes Vanderstelt (OL), Collin Fuller (OL), Wes Learned (WR), Johnny Furnas (WR), and Cash Cooper and Broderick Martines (DL). Sophomore Ayden Gatewood should get more carries for the offense this year, Gatewood was a big part of the team’s depth last year as a freshman and had a rushing TD in the state final.

Lumen Christi will once again play in the AA division of the Catholic HS League, and will also face a tough schedule including three opponents from Ohio. LC opens the season with Detroit Edison before traveling to Columbus, Ohio to face Harvest Prep. A week five matchup with Toledo Central Catholic will be a marquee game for the entire midwest.

2026 Lumen Christi Football Schedule:

(all games 7pm unless noted)

Friday 8/28 @ Detroit Edison 4PM

Friday 9/4 @ Columbus Harvest Prep (OH)

Friday 9/11 vs Traverse City St. Francis (LIVE ON JTV)

Friday 9/18 vs Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard

Friday 9/25 vs Toledo Central Catholic (LIVE ON JTV)

Friday 10/2 vs Detroit U of D Jesuit

Friday 10/9 vs Toledo St. Francis de Sales

Friday 10/16 @ Detroit Country Day

Friday 10/23 @ Dearborn Divine Child