It was Catholic League Central Division football at its finest between De La Salle Collegiate and Birmingham Brother Rice Friday night at Lawrence Tech University.

After four quarters of hard hitting and intense physicality from both sides, the Pilots (3-0, 1-0 Catholic League Central Division) emerged victorious, 21-16.

Even though it wasn't the best played game for the Pilots, it was just the way that De La Salle head man Dan Rohn wanted to start off Catholic League play.

"Sometimes, you don't play your best football and still find a way to win a game. And, that to me is a character-building experience," Rohn said. "You know, we had a long time off (did not play an opponent in Week 3), and we made a lot of mistakes tonight. Our offense gave up nine of those 16 points. I was really impressed with our defense. It carried us tonight. Sometimes, it's just going to be like that. But, at the end of the day, this is still the way you want to begin Catholic League play."

Brother Rice got on the scoreboard first with 6:44 to play in the first quarter -- and for the only time of the night via its offense -- courtesy of a one-yard rushing score from junior Nolan Ray.

The Pilots responded with two scores before the end of the first quarter.

The first score came on a throw from junior Brady Drogosh to fellow junior Jack Yanachik, with 3:58 remaining in the quarter.

Meanwhile, the Pilots' second touchdown of the quarter occurred when Drogosh connected with junior Triston Nichols, who darted over the middle and ran past multiple defenders into the end zone. After a successful 2-point conversion, during which Drogosh threw it up to Yanachik where only he could catch it, the Pilots held a 14-7 lead, which they took into the second quarter.

De La Salle extended its lead to 21-7 on a 5-yard QB keeper from Drogosh, with 8:55 remaining in the first half.

It was looking like the Pilots were on the verge of going ahead of the Warriors by three scores before halftime, when momentum shifted, courtesy of a De La Salle fumble. Brother Rice recovered, and returned it to the house, cutting the deficit to seven, 21-14, going into half.

The Pilots were no longer in complete control of the game.

Both teams' defenses were dominant in the second half, with Brother Rice scoring the lone points of the half in the third quarter, via a safety.

With the lack of offensive success that both schools had in the final quarter, it's fitting how the contest came to a close.

With the Warriors driving and trying to push the ball into the end zone for the game-winning score, DLS senior Devin Schmelter produced the clutch moment of the night.

He came up with the game-sealing interception, off an errant pass from Warriors junior quarterback Hunter Polonkey, with around 1:30 remaining in the contest.

It wasn't the prettiest game for the Purple and Gold, but as Rohn said himself, the Pilots ultimately found a way to win.

Something that's easier said than done in the Catholic League Central Division.

Next game: The Pilots travel to Orchard Lake St. Mary's next Friday (Sept. 24). Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.