Maine South to open playoffs vs. Stevenson

Even though there is some football playoff history between Maine South and Stevenson, Hawks head coach David Inserra isn't sure what to expect from an old nemesis.

The Hawks (9-0) and the Patriots (5-4) have met four times in the state IHSA football playoffs (in 2001, 2003, 2004 and 2005) in recent postseasons, but haven't played each other in two years. Inserra says Bill Mitz remains as the head coach of what he calls a great football program at the Lincolnshire school. The game will be played at 1 p.m. Saturday at Maine South.

"They (Stevenson) probably haven't changed much over the years, but either have we. We'll probably see some of the same things in this playoff game as we have in the past, I'm just not sure exactly what," Inserra said.

The Hawks coach admitted that the Patriots have come out with a variety looks on offense this season and which one they will use to try to beat the Hawks is yet to be determined.

"They are tough to figure this year," Inserra said. "One game they come out with three (running) backs and try to run the ball down your throat and the next game they line up with four receivers. I think they want to be a three-back, power-football team, but they will throw the ball, especially if they are behind. I'm sure one of their strategies will be to eat clock and keep us off the field."

The high-powered Hawks offense virtually destroyed every team it played this season and its defense held down just about every opponent. Glenbrook South and New Trier were the only teams to give Maine South a run for their money this year, but the Hawks managed to always find a way to win.

"I don't plan any major changes for the playoffs," Inserra said. "Our goal is to get the ball into the hands of our playmakers -- quarterback Charlie Goro, running back Matt Perez with the run and the pass, receiver and kick returner Joey Orlando and receiver Sam Chwarzynski.

"On defense, we have to be tough against the run. Stevenson can grind it out four yards at a time and we're going to get frustrated at times, but we're going to have to dig in and get some stops."

Last year, the Hawks suffered a tough 21-14 loss to Mount Carmel in the quarterfinals to finish with a 10-2 record. This year they are a No. 2 seed in their playoff bracket, which didn't surprise Inserra. Warren High School was tabbed as the No. 1 seed.

"The math adds up," Inserra said. "We were both 9-0 and it came down to playoff points and they had a few more than we did. We knew it going in that we would be a 2."

Inserra said there will be no letting up in practice in preparation for the Patriots.

"We try to prepare the same way every week," he said. "We rely heavily on our scout teams to give us a helpful look at the other team so we can practice game situations and execute instinctively. The guys have been doing a great job providing us information on what to expect from our opponents all year and I'm sure we'll be ready again this week."