By David Rice
JTV Sports
(August 19, 2023 1:00 PM ET) What started an 0-3 season in 2022 for Coach Herb Brogan and the Lumen Christi Titans, ended in yet another state championship trophy.
“We never lost confidence in the players or didn’t think they were a great program. Our captains did a great job leading us down the stretch,” said Brogan.
Lumen Christi comes into the 2023 campaign with a new conference, the Michigan Catholic High School League. The CHSL includes southeastern Michigan schools like Father Gabriel Richard, U of D Jesuit, and Dearborn Divine Child. “We’ve been through this before, it does not change our approach to this season”.
The players’ goals include competing for another state championship. Coach Brogan: “We have to get our younger players up to speed. We also have to grow as a team and evolve throughout the year”.
The Titans have approximately 65-70 players total in the program. They return five starters on offense including RB Kadale Williams, who also led the team in interceptions on defense.
Junior Timmy Crowley will be LC’s new starting QB after being the backup in 2022 under Joe Lathers. Lumen returns six starters on defense as well. Tony Panici will be entering his 9th season as LC’s defensive coordinator.
Other newcomers for the Titans include Freshman Lundon Hampton (RB/WR/DB) who already has an offer from Central Michigan University. Returning key players include twins Alex (DB) and Aiden Pastoriza (T), and DB Britton Hampton, who has an offer from Northwood University. Drew Sweeney (G) and Andrew Salazar (G) are also expected to make an impact.
The sentiment of “everyone plays for each other, and that’s what makes the difference” was echoed by several players during JTV Media Days.
Lumen Christi opens the season at Michigan Center followed by the home opener against Decatur.
2023 Schedule:
8/24 @ Michigan Center
9/1 vs Decatur
9/8 @ Richland Gull Lake
9/15 vs Detroit U of D Jesuit
9/22 vs Dearborn Divine Child
9/29 @ Detroit Loyola
10/7 @ Traverse City St Francis (3PM)
10/13 @ Gaylord
10/20 @ Battle Creek Harper Creek
