WEEK 9: Detroit CC vs. DeLaSalle

**DeLaSalle's John Martinez tries to make a play**
**Niko Palazeti is tough to bring down**

**DeLaSalle's Jim Martinez brings down George Darany**

Ford Field- You just got to love the conpetitive edge of the Catholic League. Not only do they give you that college atmosphere of playing a conference Championship Game but they go the extra mile to play the game at Ford Field.

The game was a rematch game from week 5 when DeLaSalle edged the Shamrocks with a 12-7 win on C.C.'s homefield. The Shamrocks started the game and looked like a completely different team as they physically owned the line of scrimmage in the first half. The Shamrocks used that advantage to take an early 7-0 lead when Niko Palazeti powered his way pass the goal line in the final minute of the first quarter.

DeLaSalle failed to pick up a first down on their first three possessions which allowed C.C. to get valuable field position. C.C. again cashed in with 5:30 left in the second quarter when Sam Landry found Steve Harding open down field for a 13 yard pass to take a 14-0 lead.

DeLaSalle went to the passing game and nickle and dimed their way down field with short passes that usually found Jim Martinez and John Martinez on the receiving end. The Pilots capped the drive with a 1 yard TD run from quarterback Josh Sinagoga to trim the Shamrock lead to 14-7 right before the half.

The Pilots tied the game a minute into the fourth quarter on a Sinagoga 31 yard TD pass to Tim Zabawa, who was able to sneak pass the C.C. secondary. DeLaSalle then took a 21-14 lead on John Martinez's 8 yard pass reception. With time running out on C.C., the Shamrocks were forced to go to the air but Mark Karam ended any hope of a comeback when he intercepted a pass and returned it 40 yards for a score and a 28-14 DeLaSalle win.

BREAKDOWN

DeLaSalle- you have to give the Pilots credit, when they fell behind 14-0 there was no panic and they stuck to their game plan. Even when the game was tied you started to feel in the atmosphere that DeLaSalle was in control, and C.C. looked like they were playing for overtime.

The Pilots are one of the hardest working teams in the state, they don't have any big time recruits and non of their players really wow you, but they are all tough as nails and you can tell they play for each other. The Pilots are in for a long playoff run and just might play at Ford Field one more time this season.

C.C.- as far as power running goes and moving the ball between the tackles, nobody does it better than the Shamrocks in Michigan, and it's been that way for a real long time. But when C.C. has to go to the air it just spells trouble. Now they'll get you with the play-action but when they get down and have to throw it just isn't their cup of soup.

With that being said, C.C. can beat anyone especially with the weather getting bad, but with a lack of a passing game it's just tough to predict how far they can get in the playoffs.

GAME MVP- Josh Sinagoga, DeLaSalle- the Pilot QB made some tough throws to go with some nice little runs to keep the chains moving. He's done a great job managing games all year and he is a big reason why his team sits at 9-0.

De'Angelo Parris, DeLaSalle- the junior back saw the bulk of the carries, all year long DeLaSalle has used running backs by committee, but it looks like Parris is becoming the man. He only stands 5-8/165 pounds but he's a quick and tough to get ahold of.

Niko Palazeti, C.C.- the junior is no stranger to weight room and has really become a key part to C.C.'s team on both ends of the ball. He is a phenominal lead blocker at fullback and holds it down as a linebacker/D-lineman.