De La Salle Football: 2007 Season
At the University of Michigan, this quote by former football coach Fritz Crisler is posted in the team's practice facility. This quote relates the special meaning of tradition and what it should mean to every De La Salle Pilot- past, present, and future.
bottle. You can't buy it at the corner store,
but it is there to sustain you when you need it
most.
I've called upon it time and time again and
so have countless other athletes and
coaches. There is nothing like it. I hope
it never dies."
-Fritz Crisler
Something To Think About...
Tuition at De La Salle: $6,650
Football Shoes: $50
Football T-Shirt, Shorts, and Socks: $25
Jock with a cup: $10
Time between the 2003 season and the 2004 season: 9 months
Time spent at speed and agility training and 7 on 7 passing camps: Tens of Hours
Time spent during practice perfecting Coach's gameplan before and during the season: Hundreds of Hours
Time spent working out to get bigger and stronger for the 2004 season: Hundreds of Hours
Time spent thinking about the upcoming 2004 football season: Countless
The feeling of utter joy, exhuberence, and excitement of being a CHAMPION: PRICELESS
THERE ARE NO MORE TOMORROWS, BUT THERE CAN BE PLENTY OF "WHAT IF'S." IT'S YOUR CHOICE AS TO WHAT YOU WANT.
Winners vs. Losers
When Winners make a mistake, they say, "I was wrong, I take responsibility.";
When Losers make a mistake, they say "It's not my fault."
A Winner says, "I'm not done yet, I can do better.";
A Loser says, "I'm done, that's good enough."
A Winner makes commitments;
A Loser makes promises.
Winners listen;
Losers just wait until it's their turn to talk.
Winners have the courage to do the right thing, even if it makes them unpopular;
Losers often do the wrong thing, out of fear of becoming unpopular.
Winners find a solution to a problem;
Losers are usually part of the problem.
Winners find a way;
Losers find an excuse.
Winners earn respect;
Losers wonder why they don't get any respect.
De La Salle Pilots are winners on and off the field. What are you?
Monday, June 11
2007 De La Salle Football Schedule
Tuesday, August 28
Pilots Start 2007 Off On Right Foot
Wednesday, September 12
Pilots Sweep Non-League Foes, Face U-D Jesuit Saturday
Monday, September 17
De La Salle Rushes By U of D Jesuit
Monday, September 24
Pilots Down Shamrocks in Overtime
Monday, October 1
Pilots Clinch Playoff & Prep Bowl Spots
Thursday, October 11
Warriors Down Pilots 17-7
Wednesday, October 17
Eaglets Put Down Pilots 28-13
Friday, October 26
Pilots Lose Heartbreaker, Play Adams In Playoffs
Sunday, November 4
Adams Downs Pilots In Season Finale
Wednesday, January 16
2007 Award Winners
On December 12th, the De La Salle football team held its year-end banquet at Villa Penna in Sterling Heights. At the banquet, the JV and Varsity football coaches gave a season summary of their year, while the audience was entertained by a slideshow done by Mr. Mack (Gregg Macintosh) and the senior speeches. Below are the award winners for all three levels of the De La Salle football team:
| Freshman Football Team | |
| Most Improved | John Mehall |
| Mr. Hustle | Hayden Crabtree |
| Mr. Hustle | Sean McQuade |
| Academic Excellence | Scott Thierbacker |
| Academic Excellence | Joseph Wiles |
| Academic Excellence | Sean McQuade |
| Academic Excellence | Brendan Barkume |
| Academic Excellence | Dustin Bertelsen |
| Academic Excellence | Alexander Piontkowski |
| JV Football Team | |
| Offensive Award | Steve Laudicina |
| Defensive Award | Joe Biernat |
| Most Improved Player | Nick Frontczak |
| Most Improved Player | Charlie Moore |
| Coaches Award | Mike Oles |
| Varsity Football Team | |
| Team MVP | Chad O'Shell |
| Special Teams Players of the Year | Kyle Torzy, John Martinez |
| Weight Lifter of the Year | Todd Culling |
| Best O-Lineman (John Vitale Award) | Jordan King |
| Best Offensive Back | Chad O'Shell |
| Best Linebacker | Chet Privett |
| Best Defensive Back | John Martinez |
|
Best D-Linemen |
Steve O'Shell, Matt Privett |
|
Best Receiver |
David Blackburn |
| Most Improved Offensive Back | Tim Zabawa |
| Most Improved O-Lineman | Richard Sciuto |
|
Most Improved D-Lineman |
Ben Hayes |
| Most Improved Defensive Back | Jimmy Martinez |
|
Most Improved Linebacker Scout Team Player of the Year Hustler of the Year Tom Bonino Award |
Dan Sorgi Joe Larocca Fred Elias William Mueller |
Wednesday, January 16
Year In Review
The 2007 De La Salle football season started off with the Pilots on a hot streak, winning their first six football games before injuries took its toll on the team as it limped to a 0-4 finish with a disappointing loss in the district semi-finals against Rochester Adams. But that does not take away from some shining moments during the season itself.
* The first four games of the year saw the Pilots defense allow their opponents to score just 17 points, while scoring 147 points behind the punishing running attack of the DLS offense.
* Chad O'Shell rushing for nearly 1000 yards in 6 1/2 games and tying the school record set last year by Jimmy Berezik of 19 rushing touchdowns in one season. Chad was named to the Detroit News and Detroit Free Press Division II All-State teams.
* The thrilling homecoming win over Catholic Central in overtime, 21-14. It was the first win over CC on homecoming since 1994 and the first CC/DLS overtime game since 1982 when the Pilots beat the Shamrocks 7-6 in the last game ever played on Br. George Synan Athletic Field located at the school's previous location in Detroit.
* The emegence of two sophomores on the defensive line: Steve O'Shell and Matt Privett who held their own against some of the top players in the state of Michigan. Bad news for the rest of the league: the pair have two more years left to wreak havoc on opposing offensive lines.
* Clinching playoff and Prep Bowl berths for the second straight year - the consecutive playoff berths were the first since the 2002-2003 football seasons, while the consecutive Prep Bowls were the first since the 1993-1994 seasons
* Consecutive 6-0 starts for the football team for the first time since the 1984-1985 seasons.
* The DLS defense allowing the least amount of points in the since the 2003 season.
While in some respects the team didn't get to accomplish all the goals they had set for themselves, the 2007 De La Salle Pilots should be proud with all they achieved during the year. This season proved that 2006 was not a fluke and that De La Salle will remain a force to be reckoned within the Catholic League and the state of Michigan. The Pilots of today are continuing a tradition started 80 years ago on a dirt field on the corner of Glenfield and Conner.
As for the underclassmen, the 2008 season begins now with off-season training. It is up to you to continue the tradition of excellence achieved by previous DLS football teams.
As for the parents, students, alumni, and fans, thanks again for your support and making Warren Fitzgerald a true home field advantage for the Pilots. Thanks for the pre-game meals, the shakers, the words of encouragement, and the support you have shown over the years. As for the senior parents, please don't make yourselves strangers and continue to show the support you have shown over the past four years.
The mission goes on as the Pilots start on the road to Ford Field in 2008. As usual, good luck and Go Pilots!
