Warren De La Salle

Helmet courtesy of Michigan Helmet Project

League: Catholic League

Central Division
Last season: 13-1
Opening game: 7 p.m. Aug. 29 against Detroit Henry Ford at Warren Fitzgerald

Offense

Key player: De’Angelo Parris, senior, running back

After leading the Pilots with 649 yards rushing and a 6.18 yards-per-carry average in 2008, Parris will again be the go-to guy on the ground.

           

With the graduation of fullback Chet Privett, who led the Pilots with eight rushing scores a year ago, Parris could see his total of seven touchdowns in 2008 increase.

“Hopefully, he’ll get 20 to 25 carries a game instead of 10 to 15,” coach Paul Verska said.

With the graduation of Josh Sinagoga, Steve Laudicina takes over the quarterback duties. Laudicina brings a power arm to the offense, one he used to help pitch the Pilots’ baseball team to a 2009 Division 1 baseball state title.

Special teams

Key player: Steve O’Shell, senior, kicker

With the graduation of kickers Andrew Stebens and Jerry Rubino, O’Shell takes over the kickoffs, field goals and extra points. Steve Laudicina is back to handle punts.

Coach’s outlook

Players like O’Shell, Privett and Laudicina have been members of the Pilots’ two state-finalist football teams and would like nothing more than a third trip and a state championship to cap their careers.

“They know what it takes,” Verska said. “The other teams had to learn, but these guys know. They know how hard the other guys worked, and they know they need to work even harder.”