Maine South clinches playoff berth
Maine South continues to streak.
The Hawks won their sixth game in a row Friday, bolting past Glenbrook South 28-13 in Park Ridge.
With the win, Maine South (6-2, 4-0) clinched its 27th consecutive trip to the state playoffs. The Hawks also earned at least a share of the Central Suburban South title for the 17th time in the last 18 years. The only season Maine South did not win the title was in 2016 when the Hawks went on to win the state title.
"Our kids know that they are part of a program that has high expectations," Maine South coach Dave Inserra said. "They are driven to uphold those expectations."
Maine South led 20-13 in the fourth quarter Friday when the Hawks were able to pull away from Glenbrook South (3-5, 3-1). Sean Hayes' interception set up an 18-yard touchdowns pass from Luke Leongas to Dan Lazic with just over 9 minutes to play. Mike Sajenko then rushed for a 2-point conversion to put the game out of reach.
Ryan Kilburg opened the game with a 98-yard kickoff return for Maine South, which can clinch the CSL South outright next Friday when it plays at New Trier.
Leongas also threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Zach Poolos and a 2-point conversion to Michael Velasquez. Sajenko had a 2-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.
"We also had three touchdowns called back," Inserra said. "That's the way it works. We had to coach and we had to play."
In a ceremony Just prior to the start of the game, Maine South offensive lineman Peter Skoronski was honored. Skoronski, who will play at Northwestern next season, was presented with his game jersey for the NBC All-American Bowl in San Antonio, TX. That game will be played on January 4, 2020.
Mt. Carmel 37, St. Viator 7: It did not go well for St. Viator in its first game ever against Mt. Carmel. Viator, which was playing without its top two quarterbacks due to injury, turned the ball over four times in the first half and the Caravan (8-0) pulled away for the road win.
St. Viator (4-4) got a late rushing touchdown from Jack Law on a 5-yard run. The Lions need a win at home next Friday against Carmel Catholic to become playoff eligible.
Downers Grove South 20, Leyden 3: The game was scoreless until late in the first half when Downers Grove South scored a pair of touchdowns on pass receptions to Eli Reed. Leyden (2-6, 2-3) got its only points on a 38-yard field goal by Karam Jarmouni.
Niles North 56, Maine East 16: Issac O'Neil had touchdown receptions of 39 and 78 yards, but the Blue Demons (0-8, 0-4) remained winless. Caesar Graham had a touchdown pass and a conversion run and Baltazar Cabrales threw a touchdown pass off a halfback option play. Offensive lineman Kevin Wingate ran for a conversion for Maine East, which completes its season next week when the Demons host Vernon Hills.