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Jakubik’s two interceptions leads C.C. past De La Salle, 17-7, in the Boys Bowl
(PHOTO CREDIT – Dave Donoher)
Novi – Chris Jakubik plays a number of positions for Detroit Catholic Central. He’s a receiver, the punter, plays on special teams and, most importantly on this day, Jakubik plays in the secondary.
Jakubik had two interceptions on Sunday, one set up C.C.’s second score and the second he returned 21 yards for a touchdown as the host Shamrocks defeated Warren De La Salle, 17-7, in a the Catholic League Central Division finale for both teams.
The game marked the 72nd annual Boys Bowl for the Shamrocks. The Bowl Bowl started in 1944 with C.C. playing Boys Town (NE) at Briggs Stadium in Detroit. That game ended in a 14-14 tie.
C.C. (8-0), ranked No. 2 in State Champs’ Top 25, will play Orchard Lake St. Mary’s for the league championship on Saturday at Ford Field at 7 p.m.
The loss eliminated the Pilots from state playoffs.
De La Salle held C.C. to 209 yards, 103 in the first half. The Pilots had an opportunity to take a 7-0 lead at halftime but on fourth-and-goal from the 1 quarterback Ricardo Marble was stopped a half yard short with 5:12 left.
The Shamrocks pieced together their best drive of the game on their second possession of the second half. Seven consecutive running plays produced 64 yards with quarterback Austin Brown (4-of-12, 67 yards) completing the drive with a 39-yard touchdown run.
The Pilots tied the game at 7-7 when Jacob Badalamenti returned the kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown.
After Marble suffered an ankle injury on the Pilots’ first series of the second half, receiver Carlos Smith took Marble’s spot and Jakubik intercepted his first pass attempt and return it 50 yards to the De La Salle 41. The Shamrocks gained one first down before Jacob Nichols kicked a 38-yard field goal with 10:13 left to give C.C. a 10-7 lead.
On the next play from scrimmage Jakubik returned an interception 21 yards for a 17-7 lead.
It was Jakubik’s second and third interceptions of the season, and his first touchdown return.
“(Smith) first broke off (the play) inside,” Jakubik said. “I broke (my coverage) off and moved in to pick it off. I was like a deer in headlights running it in.
“Defense is our identity. We didn’t want to give them the lead. We trust our offense. We trust everyone. We just got the W.”
De La Salle gained 118 yards in the first half but was held to 35 in the second.
“Defensively, we did a good job,” C.C. coach Tom Mach said. “It’s a good Central Division game. You know you’re going to get that. We knew that all week. Offensively our line didn’t move the ball well. They did a good job of doing what we do well.
“De La Salle always defends us well against the run.”
Halfback Nick Capatina was held to 60 yards on 20 carries for C.C. and Brown had 48 yards on eight carries.
It’s been a tough season for De La Salle and its first-year coach Mike Giannone, who left Macomb Dakota after last season.
“I thought we played well,” Giannone said. “Our kids were ready. I think they overlooked us a little. We matched their power. We have to finish offensively. If you can’t make a half yard you don’t deserve to win.”
