Maine South’s offense may be putting up jaw-dropping numbers week-in and week-out, but Saturday night’s 42-0 pummeling of host Barrington belonged to the Hawks’ defense.
True, the offense scored on its first five possessions, and senior quarterback Charlie Goro barely broke a sweat in going 19-for-25 for 249 yards and throwing for two scores.
But the defense–long overlooked this season–hung the goose egg on the Barrington Community Field scoreboard and wore it as a badge of honor. Barrington advanced inside the Maine South 20 just once on the night.
“We know people are always talking about the offense,” said junior safety Ronnie Muck, who intercepted a Barrington pass at the goal line in the first half to help preserve the shutout. “And people think we don’t get credit. But we know we have a good defense.
“If we get to put a big ‘0’ on the board, that’s how we show how it’s done.”
Matt Perez (eight rushes, 84 yards) helped Maine South (12-0) get on the board early, scoring on a 17-yard run and then returning a punt 82 yards for a score.
By the time Goro hit Joey Orlando for a 16-yard touchdown with 2:41 left in the first quarter, Maine South had built a 21-0 lead before the Broncos (9-3) had recorded a first down.
Goro scored from 32 yards out and senior fullback Corby Ryan added a 6-yard TD run as Maine South racked up 367 yards of offense in the first half for a 35-0 lead.
Sam Chwarzynski hauled in a 30-yard scoring pass from Goro early in the third to start a running clock and end the evening’s scoring.
More Top Picks Best Refractometers For Brewing
“We’re just having a lot of fun right now,” said the Vanderbilt-bound Goro. “Especially tonight. It’s great to be a part of this offense.”
Barrington, which was playing without three defensive starters because they violated the school’s athletic code of conduct, was paced by running back Sam Ojuri, who finished with 96 yards on 16 carries.