Maine South walks a fine line in victory

Maine South's Matt Perez (34) runs against Hinsdale Central.
(Steve Johnston/The Doings)

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CHAMPAIGN -- With its highly productive spread scheme, Maine South’s offensive stars – quarterback Charlie Goro, wide receiver Joey Orlando and running back Matt Perez --- are usually the headline grabbers.

But it’s hard to imagine where the top-rated Hawks would be without players such as Zach Timm, Sam Chwarzynski and Ronnie Muck. All three were big factors in Maine South’s 41-21 win over Hinsdale Central in the Class 8A state championship game in Champaign on Saturday.

“It’s guys like that that make a great football team,” Maine South coach Dave Inserra said.

As a senior two-way lineman, Timm rarely comes off the field. The 6-3, 217-pounder is one of the Hawks’ best offensive linemen, but he also led his team in sacks this season with 19.

Against the Red Devils, Timm came up several key blocks on offense and often hurried quarterback John Whitelaw on defense. He ended up three tackles, one for a loss.

Chwarzynski transferred from St. Patrick over the summer and quickly found on a place on the Hawks. He is Maine South’s second leading receiver and its starting cornerback.

Against the Red Devils, Chwarzynski (6-1, 193) came up with two big tackles. He caught Mick Culligan on 58-yard pass reception to prevent a score in the second quarter and also redirected Whitelaw from scoring on a 53-yard run in the third. He also batted down a long pass.

“I am still very close with all the guys at Pat’s, but I just wanted to come here and win,” Chwarzynski said. “It worked out pretty well. I came in right away and found a place. They welcomed me with open arms.”

Muck, a 6-1, 185-pound defensive back, ended two Hinsdale Central drives all by himself. In the second quarter, he intercepted a tipped Whitelaw pass and tackled Rich Zajeski on screen pass on a fourth-and-three inside the Maine South 10.

“It was hanging up there and I just wanted to make a play for my team,” Muck said. “I just try to do my best for the team when I can. It really feels amazing to win it. ”