Warriors hang around early but then lose big

Midway through the second quarter Friday night, host Maine West was battling toe-to-toe with undefeated CSL North power Highland Park.

"The kids really came out to play," said Maine West coach Chris Hare. "We're playing the first-place team in the conference. They've dominated everybody and we're giving them a nice battle. But then they showed why they are a heck of a team."

A tight, 21-14 second-quarter deficit turned against the Warriors (2-6, 1-3), as Highland Park (6-2, 4-0) scored on its next six possessions en route to a 55-14 victory.

Despite the Giants' onslaught, there were many positive signs on the Warriors' side of the ball. Trailing 7-0, Maine West quarterback Frank Hess guided his team on an 11-play, 75-yard scoring drive. Hess ran for 19 yards on two consecutive plays and then capped off the scoring drive with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Dipesh Patel.

After Highland Park grabbed a 21-7 lead, Hess completed six passes in six attempts during a 10-play, 49-yard drive. Hess found Danny Lowe on a 14-yard touchdown pass to bring Maine West to within seven at 21-14.

"We really moved the ball well in the first half," Hess said. "I was real confident and I had a real good feel for the football."

Hare said, "Frank really stepped up on Senior Night. He made key passes and key runs when we needed them."

Hess' favorite target was Jeremy Stepanovich, who caught five passes for 64 yards. Stepanovich had two catches for 35 yards on the second Maine West scoring drive.

"He's kind of become one of our go-to guys," said Hare.

The Warriors' defense played well early. A quarterback sack by Brendan Joyce stalled one Highland Park first-quarter drive. Another Giants march was halted when Mike Greene tackled Highland Park running back Nick Coletta for a 1-yard loss. Tony Manicke led the Warriors' defense with 11 tackles, including one quarterback sack.

Maine West will travel to Deerfield (4-4, 2-2) on Friday night. Depending on the outcome of the Niles North-Glenbrook North game, Maine West could finish in a three-way tie for third place in the Central Suburban North.

Deerfield, averaging 32 points in its last five games, is led by quarterback Jason Hendel, who's a threat both passing and running the ball.