Hawks' 'D' no longer low-profile

Maine South quarterback Charlie Goro leads the Hawks' high-octane offense.
(Scott Powers/For the Sun-Times News Group)

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With its four-wide and let-it-fly offensive scheme, Maine South is perhaps best known for having very productive quarterbacks and an ability to score in a hurry.

This season, though, might be somewhat different for the Hawks, who have made the state playoffs 16 consecutive seasons. Although Sun-Times All-Area quarterback Charlie Goro returns, the headlines might be about the defense.

“We are very quick and athletic on the defensive side of the ball,” Maine South coach David Inserra said. “We’re not going to be the biggest team defensively, but we are going to be fast. And, the kids are going to bring it on every play.

“We have some very good defensive leaders – guys that are willing to put it on the line.”

Linebacker and captain Nick Catino returns, as do defensive tackle Zach Timm (6-4, 220 pounds) and safety Kevin Karrasch. Watch for linebacker Corby Ryan and defensive back Joey Orlando, who's also a wide receiver and kick returner.

“We’re the dark horse,” Catino said. “Everybody looks at the offense. They really don’t pay attention to us. But the last three or four years, we’ve actually been really solid.”

Last season, the Hawks limited their opponents to 15 or less points in seven of the nine regular-season games. This year, the expectations are higher.

“As a unit our goals are obviously shutouts – as many as we can,” Catino said. “If not, the fewest points as possible.”

Despite having to replace its entire line, the expectations for the offense are high -- especially behind Goro, a Vanderbilt recruit. Goro completed 75 percent of his passes for more than 2,700 yards and 26 touchdowns last year. He also rushed for 465 yards and eight touchdowns.

“Everybody is real serious this year,” Goro said. “We have a lot of fun out here and we’re a real close unit. But when its time to play, everybody is serious and it’s time to go to work. We’re all ready. Since last November when we lost to Mount Carmel (in a Class 8A quarterfinal), everybody has just wanted to put those pads on.”

ajahns@chicagosuntimes.com 

MAINE SOUTH BY THE NUMBERS

Conference: Central Suburban South

Coach: David Inserra 8th Season (76-12)

2007 Record: 10-2 (5-0) Class 8A Quarterfinals

2007 Final Rank: 8

2008 Schedule

August

29 @ Schaumburg

September

5 @ Warren

13 Glenbrook North

19 @ Maine East

27 @ Evanston

October

4 Waukegan

10 @ Glenbrook South

18 New Trier

24 @ Niles West

Key Game: September 13 vs. Glenbrook North: Maine South's only regular-season loss in '07 came against the Spartans.Glenbrook North quarterback Tommy Coughlin was a key player last season and he is back this year.

Phil Barnes