Maine South continues runs

Updated: March 22, 2011 5:04PM

This pass rush simply never let up.

Maine South earned a 20-9 victory over host Stevenson Saturday night in an Class 8A quarterfinal in Lincolnshire.

A key factor was the work of the defensive line, as the Hawks sacked Stevenson quarterback Kevin Earl five times.

"We were using a three- to four-man pass rush, and we still kept pressure on the quarterback," Maine South coach Dave Inserra said. "We were able to keep seven guys in the secondary."

Earl completed 12 of 30 passes for 207 yards with two interceptions.

Maine South running back Paul Preston finished with 129 yards on 18 carries. Preston scored twice in the first half, on runs of five and nine yards.

The clinching touchdown was a nine-yard pass from sophomore quarterback Matt Alviti to Scott Derrick in the fourth quarter.

The loss ended No. 3 Stevenson's season at 11-1. No. 14 Maine South (10-2) will travel to Loyola (11-1) next weekend in an 8A state semifinal.

Maine South, which extended its playoff winning streak to 13 games since a loss to Mount Carmel in the 2007 Class 8A quarterfinals, is seeking to win its third consecutive 8A championship.

The Hawks opened this season with back-to-back losses to Schaumburg and Wheaton Warrenville South, but have won their past 10 games.

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