Players, fans anticipate Catholic Bowl V on Sept. 13

Sacred Heart fans support the Tigers against John Paul II in the Catholic Bowl IV in The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco on Saturday, September 14, 2024. John Paul II won the game 19-12. (NTC/ Kevin Bartram)

ARLINGTON — Drum majors and cheerleaders, drill teams and bandmembers, coaches and students — not to mention parents and fans — everyone looks forward to Catholic Bowl.

Football enthusiasts from Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana enjoy this annual tradition, a celebration of football, faith, and fellowship.

The fifth annual Catholic Bowl is scheduled for Sept. 13 at Choctaw Stadium, 1000 Ballpark Way, in Arlington. Six Catholic schools will compete:

• St. Edmund of Eunice, Louisiana vs. Sacred Heart of Muenster at 1 p.m.
• Bishop McGuiness of Oklahoma City vs. Bishop Lynch of Dallas at 4:30 p.m.
• John Paul II of Plano vs. Nolan Catholic of Fort Worth at 8 p.m.

For the players, it’s more than just a full day of spirited competition and community celebration. The evening before the game, players, coaches, and staff celebrate Mass and enjoy dinner together.

For Nolan linebacker Jimmy Suter, the pre-game Mass and dinner are one of his favorite aspects.

“I love how all the teams are bonded together in faith, all with a common goal of glorifying God,” said the senior.

This is also the fourth Catholic Bowl for Tristan William, a Nolan defensive end, who said, “The Catholic bowl definitely strengthens my identity and sense of community by competing with other Catholics and being around such passionate people who believe in the faith. Even after battling the opposing team, we always pray together after games, which is a great tradition that strengthens our sense of Catholic community.”

This is the first year for the Catholic Bowl to be held at Choctaw Stadium, which adds to the players’ excitement.

Wide receiver Jake Werline, a Nolan senior, said he grew up going to Rangers games in the stadium “and now I get to play there. We’ve always had a great turnout because Nolan families always support the team.”

Tickets and more information are available at ChoctawStadium.com/event.