Maine South too much for Evanston

Updated: October 6, 2011 10:25PM

Patiently, Adam Aponte waited his turn on the sideline at Maine South.

The senior defensive back earned some time at safety last season during the Hawks’ run to a third consecutive championship, but he wasn’t considered a go-to player.

The coaches then moved him to cornerback this year. Aponte adapted to the change immediately, and Thursday he received a reward when he returned an interception 27 yards for a touchdown in No. 1-ranked Maine South’s 48-7 win over Evanston in Park Ridge.

“I knew the route from watching film,” Aponte said. “I completely read the play.

“I was about to put my finger up before I got into the end zone, but I decided not to do that.”

Quarterback Matt Alviti ran for two touchdowns and Paul Preston added another as the Hawks (7-0 overall, 3-0 CSL South) went into the half ahead 27-0. The Wildkits missed an opportunity to put points on the board before the break, but they missed a 35-yard field goal.

Danny Allegretti then intercepted a pass on the first play of the second half, and Preston punched the Hawks into the end zone three plays later for a 34-0 advantage.

Evanston (4-3, 1-2) broke the shutout when quarterback Max Block scrambled for a 25-yard touchdown late in the third quarter.

Preston returned the favor by taking the kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown. It was the senior’s second kickoff return for a touchdown this season, and the points triggered the running clock.

Aponte’s interception and touchdown were both firsts of his varsity career. He’s enjoying his time as a starter on arguably the state’s best team.

“I love it,” he said. “There’s a lot of pressure here, but it only makes me play harder. The passion we have makes everybody try so hard.”

Maine South scored at least 40 points for the fifth game in a row and is heading toward a showdown with Glenbrook South in Week 9. The Titans also stayed unbeaten in league play with their 56-14 win over Waukegan.

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