Overview

What was supposed to be a storybook 2007 ended up as a "tale of two seasons" for De La Salle. After losing the 2006 state finals at Ford Field after a last-minute fumble, the Pilots were poised in 2007 to capture the state championship that had eluded them the year prior. However, after opening the season with a six-game winning streak, the DLS season took a sudden crash landing as they lost their three remaining regular season games and fell in the first round to Rochester Adams.

Despite the disappointing finish, Pilots fans have much to be optimistic about looking ahead to next season. They return the majority of a powerful defense that held regular season opponents to average of 11 points per game, including linemen Matt Privett and Steve O'Shell, and backs Jim and John Martinez. The team is a year older and wiser after facing off against the ever-challenging Catholic Central League and has a good chance to win the division title this season.

Offense

DLS may have graduated All-State running back Chad O'Shell, but the offense should not grind to a halt as a result. In fact, thanks to a bevy of talented receivers and a year's starting experience for senior quarterback Josh Sinagoga, the Pilots appear ready to live up to their nickname and take the offense to the skies.

DLS is bringing back seniors Mark Karam and Alex Pierce, who will join the Martinez's in four-reciever sets and stretch opposing defenses like Silly Putty. Junior running back Tim Zawaba should be able to take advantage of the nickel and dime coverage schemes he will see and step out of O'Shell's shadow. The talented trio of offensive linemen Jordan King, Ben Hayes and fullback Chet Privett will smooth the transition for Zawaba and ensure plenty of throwing time for Sinagoga.

Defense

Last season's DLS defense allowed the least amount of points for the Pilots since 2003 and there is no reason to think that this season's unit won't repeat that performance. Juniors Matt Privett and O'Shell are sure to wreak havoc in Catholic Central backfields, leaving opposing quarterbacks little time to throw. The cornerbacks Martinez and safeties Karam and Pierce will be waiting to pounce on the few passes that find their way to the DLS secondary. Patrolling the middle will be linebacker Chet Privett, who led the team in tackles last season among returning players.

Schedule

DLS will once again be challenged by formidable Catholic League Central rivals Orchard Lake Saint Mary's, Novi Detroit Catholic Central and Birmingham Brother Rice, who dealt DLS their three losses in 2007. Revenge will certainly be in mind during those three games, particularly against Brother Rice, as it was that loss last season that began the Pilots' tailspin. DLS will kick off their season against Detroit Kettering on Aug. 29 and travel to Columbus, Ohio to take on a prickly Bishop Watterson team.

Must Step Up

The defense will lead this team, but Zawaba and Sinagoga must step up and prove that they can march the offense down the field like O'Shell did. Zawaba ran for 301 yards on 26 carries last season, while Sinagoga passed for 321 yards and scored two touchdowns.

Season Prediction

The trenches feature enough future Division-1 talent to keep scouts gushing all season long. The secondary and receiving core will make fans think that they're watching a track meet. However, closely-contested matchups against Catholic Central League foes will put Zawaba and Sinagoga in the spotlight. If they can meet the challenge, DLS can win their division and make a serious run for Ford Field.

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