Defense was the name of the game during Thursday's pre-Labor Day Weekend match-up between Salem and Warren DeLaSalle.

  The Rocks applied some offensive pressure in the first half, but failed to finish, settling for a 0-0 draw with the always-tough Pilots.

  The tie left Salem with a 2-1-3 mark heading into this week's three-games-in-five-days schedule.

  Salem goal-keeper Erick Beas notched his second shutout of the season.

  "Erick didn't see a lot of shots -- he probably made four saves -- but he was solid," said Salem coach Ed McCarthy. "The defense played very well in front of him.

  "Our forward play was pretty good. Chris Dierker played very well up top and Brandon Barfuss was very good in the mid-field."

  McCarthy said the Rocks were on their heels during the final 20 minutes, but they held on to earn the draw against a very good opponent.

  Salem hits the pitch again on Tuesday when it hosts Novi. South Lyon visits Salem Wednesday before the Rocks close out their busy week Saturday against Canton. Saturday's "Senior Night" game is set for 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by the annual Canton-Salem Alumni Game.

  Ed Wright can be reached at (734) 453-1980 or info@plymouthcantonsports.com.