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Detroit Catholic Central goes exclusively to the run game, runs over Waterford Mott 42-6 in Division 1 opener
Novi – Detroit Catholic Central went back to playing Shamrock football on Friday.
Much has been made of freshman quarterback Austin Brown and his passing ability. C.C. didn’t need Brown arm in the opening round of the playoffs as C.C. ran past Waterford Mott 42-6 in a Division 1 game at C.C.
In addition to Brown, there a number of underclassmen in the starting lineup. Three juniors start on the offensive line along with seniors Thomas Kowalkoski and Nicholas Bazany. These five players plus the tight ends, notably Michael Edwards, dominated the line of scrimmage as C.C.’s running backs ripped off huge chunks of yardage.
“Every game we’re getting better and better,” Kowalkoski, a 6-5, 285-pound tackle, said. “It’s smash mouth football. It’s a five-game season.”
A team needs to win five playoff games to win a state title, something the players at C.C. are well aware of. The program has won 10 state titles.
C.C. scored on four of its five first-half possessions and its defense was just as effective.
Mott had five yards and one first down that by penalty, on its first four drives. The Corsairs got their passing attack going on its last two possessions but an intentional grounding penalty stalled one drive and a 12-yard sack by defensive end Michael Edwards ended the last one.
Ryan had 94 yards on 15 carries to lead the Shamrocks. C.C. ran the ball 31 times for 239 yards and did not complete a pass in two attempts.
Ryan scored two touchdowns and Tyler Morland and Carson Kovath each had one as C.C. led 28-0 at halftime.
“We wanted to establish the running game more than we have been,” C.C. coach Tom Mach said. “Our line did an excellent job of establishing themselves. The backs ran hard. Our goal is to get better and better each week. We’ve got some good teams ahead of us.”
C.C. (8-2) will host Novi (6-4) next Friday in a district final. Novi upset West Bloomfield (9-1), 31-28, to advance.
Nicholas Capatina led C.C. with 129 yards on 15 carries, and Ryan had 120 on 20 carries. Kovath added 85 yards and three touchdowns on eight carries. Capatina is a junior, the other two are sophomores.
Jake Baldwin was sacked four times and threw one interception for Mott (6-4). He was 11-of-19 passing for 132 yards. Dez Fitzpatrick, Mott’s fine receiver, had seven receptions for 92 yards.
Mott has made the playoffs five times and is still searching for a playoff victory.
“We’re creating our legacy,” Mott coach Chris Fahr said. “(C.C.) has the tradition. We still have the shovels building ours. I wouldn’t trade my position with anybody.”
Fahr paid tribute to a senior, Eric Bilkovsky, who suffered two separated knee caps yet continued to come out, returning from both to play.
“We have great kids here nobody knows about,” Fahr said.
