Preston, Hawks punch out Warren

Updated: May 9, 2012 9:44AM

Paul Preston started off the season Friday like he was playing a video game.

After bobbling the opening kickoff, the Maine South senior scooped up the ball at the three-yard line and weaved through Warren players and didn’t stop until he reached the end zone.

It was a great way for the top-ranked Hawks to ease their minds after last season, when they lost the first two to start 0-2. Maine South never trailed at home Friday on the way to a 40-12 win over the Blue Devils.

“It was exhilarating,” said Preston. “The guys in front of me opened up huge holes.”

Preston finished the game with 53 rushing yards and 34 receiving yards. He also ran for a two-yard score late in the first half to help the Hawks, who were without coach Dave Inserra who was serving a one-game suspension, build a 27-12 by the break.

Warren (0-1) closed the gap with two field goals by Patrick Kenney. But the Hawks responded with three consecutive scores, including a 19-yard TD run by quarterback Matt Alviti (20-for-31, 190 yards, two TDs). On the final TD of the stretch, Maine South lineman Pat Barrett, a two-way starter, earned an automatic ejection for throwing a punch.

Warren quarterback Adam Reuss finished 16-for-28 for 126 yards and threw a 10-yard TD pass to Mitch Munda.

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