Third-quarter scoring spree powers Maine West

The third quarter proved to be the most important for Maine West in its 30-13 nonconference victory over Elmwood Park on Friday night in Des Plaines.

The Warriors (1-1) rattled off 23 points in the quarter after the game had been tied at 7 at halftime.

A defensive play is what sparked the scoring spree. Defensive back Jake Riportella intercepted Elmwood Park's Brandon Romero and returned it 36 yards for a touchdown.

"It was a game-changer," Riportella said of his return touchdown. "It was 7-7 at half, and we knew we were a better team than that. I needed to step up a little bit. My first half wasn't very good. The team did very well tonight. I'm very happy."

Maine West coach Jason Kradman, who picked up his first win as head coach of the Warriors' program, said Riportella's touchdown return changed the momentum of the game.

"We controlled the entire first half and we let them hang around way too long," Kradman said. "I think our guys really responded well to the adversity."

Tailback Chris Asuncion (21 carries, 196 yards) scored two of the three touchdowns he had on Friday in the third quarter on runs of 41 and 59 yards.

"We just collected ourselves," Asuncion said of what happened at halftime. "The first half was a little rough. We tried to get our heads back into and and just teed off from there."

Asuncion paid credit to his offensive line, which was led by Jovaun Woolford, Chaz Velasco and Kyle Cook. Asuncion also specifically mentioned the blocking of TE/WR Chase Michalak on the perimeter during his long touchdown runs.

"I can't do anything without my line," Asuncion said. "The line is the most important key to an offense. Without their blocks, and continuing the blocks, and moving on, there's nothing for me. All the success I'll ever have will be because of the line."

The third quarter barrage wasn't complete without Jared Brogni's tackling of Romero in the end zone on a punt attempt.

Improvements still need to be made for a team happy with its first win of the season. There were several fumbles and penalties by the Warriors that the players and coaches know need the be cleaned up.

"Even though it was a wet game, we need to improve on ball security," Kradman said. "That goes for the tailbacks, that goes for the quarterback. Everybody. And we're still making mistakes in our run game. We're not getting to second-level guys."