Pioneer Press previews the 2016 Maine South football season.
Coach: David Inserra, entering 16th season
2015 record: 8-3 (5-0 Central Suburban South), lost 42-21 to Normal Community in second round of Class 7A playoffs
Offense: The Hawks’ backfield features a dual threat in senior quarterback Nick Leongas and a halfback in junior Fotis Kokosioulis who had 1,600 all-purpose yards last season. “He’s electric,” Inserra said of Kokosioulis. “He’s quick, he has great moves and he’s a game-changer.” Senior offensive lineman Kevin Jarvis (6-foot-5, 340 pounds) committed to Michigan State and will anchor South’s shotgun, no-huddle, spread offense.
Defense: A mix of varsity experience and talented newcomers will carry Maine South’s 3-4 defense, led by a senior core featuring defensive end Emmett Zima, outside linebacker Jack Pistorius, cornerback Matt Schneider and the heart of the defense in middle linebacker Mike Pusateri. “(Pusateri) is just a born leader. He’s our front man,” Inserra said. “He’s one of those guys you want to go to battle with.”
Strong side: Inserra likes his team on both sides of the ball and doesn’t want to overlook the value of Sean McNulty to this year’s Hawks. McNulty will help the offensive line, but the 6-foot-1, 210-pound senior is also “one of the top 20 kickers in the nation,” Inserra said. “He has a rocket for a leg. We’ve had some good ones but not a college-level kicker like Sean.”
Weak side: Last year’s Hawks came from behind late in games to beat Glenbrook South, Evanston and New Trier. Inserra wants to see his squad break this pattern. “We need to come out with more of an attitude of ‘let’s get it done right now,'” he said.
Team tradition: Many football teams ease into their season, but Inserra annually throws his team into the fire. The Hawks’ first three games are against defending Class 6A state champion Montini, Class 8A state champion Loyola and a Barrington team that went 9-2 last season. “I’ll put our schedule up against any team in the state,” Inserra said.
Quote: The Hawks’ propensity for second-half comebacks last year was built on a quality that fueled the motto for this year’s team: true grit. “To me, that means working hard, and always being there for your teammates,” McNulty said. “It includes toughness but also other attributes, like attitude. Grit is the difference between being a good team and a great team.”
2016 Schedule
Aug. 26, MONTINI, 7 p.m.
Sept. 3, Loyola, 1:30 p.m.
Sept. 9, Barrington, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 16, CONANT, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 23, NILES NORTH*, 7 p.m.
Sept. 30, Glenbrook South*, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 7, NEW TRIER*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 14, NILES WEST*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 21, Evanston*, 7:30 p.m.
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HOME GAMES IN BOLD
* Central Suburban South game
Gary Larsen is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press