The name might not be as catchy as legendary backfields like the Four Horsemen or the Pony Express, but at Maine South, fans have been celebrating the exploits of “The Greek Backfield” all season.
Senior quarterback Nick Leongas, junior running back Fotis Kokosioulis and 26th-seeded Maine South (9-3) play host to third-seed Palatine (12-0) in the Class 8A semifinals on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. in Park Ridge.
“Nick and Fotis, The Greek Backfield, they’re special,” Maine South coach Dave Inserra said. “When one’s not doing something, the other is. Nick’s scrambling and buying time, making some great throws and great runs. Fotis, … I haven’t seen many better.”
Leongas and Kokosioulis will try to lead the Hawks into next week’s state championship game in Champaign. Maine South last reached the state final in 2010. That year it defeated Mount Carmel 28-7 to capture the program’s fifth crown.
Standing in the Hawks’ way is a Palatine team that has reached the semifinals for a second straight season. Unlike last year, the Pirates’ postseason run has come as little surprise. That the Pirates have reached this point on the back of a top-trier defense may be the only unexpected development.
Despite returning just two starters, the Palatine defense has become dominant. The Pirates have surrendered just 23 points in three postseason games, including a 10-6 win over previously undefeated and sixth-seeded St. Charles East last week.
The defense, good all season, has had to pick up its game even more in recent weeks after Palatine lost senior quarterback Zach Oles to a broken collarbone in the opening-round playoff win over Notre Dame.
“(Palatine’s) defense is tough, it’s unbelievable, and they are finding ways to win on offense,” Inserra said. “They are well-coached and last year they were in the same spot. We’re going to have our hands full.”
Who has the edge when Maine South runs the ball?
Will the Pirates be the team to finally slow down Kokosioulis?
The 5-foot-8, 165-pounder had 15 carries for 115 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s 34-31 win at 18th-seeded Lincoln-Way East. Kokosioulis also caught a short pass and took it for a 58-yard touchdown.
Palatine features a dominant front seven led by senior defensive end Mackenzie Balanganayi. The Palatine defense has been particularly resilient once the opposing offense reaches the red zone.
“Once you get near their end zone, they become tough. That’s what they do,” said Barrington coach Joe Sanchez, whose team’s only two defeats in 2016 were to Palatine and Maine South “Inside their own 20, they tighten up and do a good job keeping people out.”
Edge: Palatine
More Top Picks Best Sensory Compression Clothing For Kids
Who has the edge when Maine South passes the ball?
With Leongas’ ability to elude pass rushers and 6-6 senior receiver Luke Hinkamp’s height and hands, no passing play ever seems like a lost cause for the Hawks.
Hinkamp is not the team’s leading receiver, that’s senior Matthew Holbrook, but Hinkamp is the main outlet when things break down.
Hinkamp also had the biggest catch of the night against Lincoln-Way East — a 24-yard grab on fourth-and-8 with 33 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. That set up set up senior Sean McNulty’s game-winning 20-yard field goal.
The Palatine secondary is led by senior free safety Dylan Tapia. Junior cornerback Jake Moertl returned an interception 33 yards for a touchdown in the playoff opener against Notre Dame, and had two interceptions, including an 18-yard pick-six, in a Week 4 win over New Trier.
Edge: Palatine
Who has the edge when Palatine runs the ball?
In the absence of the playmaking Oles at quarterback, the Pirates are running the ball more often with junior DJ Angelaccio at quarterback.
Senior running back Josh Turner had an important 44-yard carry to set up Palatine’s only touchdown against St. Charles East. Angelaccio also can make plays with his feet, having carried 14 times for 75 yards in the quarterfinals.
During the second half of the season, Maine South has fortified its front seven by playing senior offensive linemen and Michigan State recruit Kevin Jarvis at nose tackle and and McNulty at walk-up outside linebacker.
Edge: Maine South
Who has the edge when Palatine passes the ball?
When Oles was healthy, he formed a dynamic trio with junior receiver Johnny O’Shea and senior receiver Jack Grochowski. But the Pirates are less of a passing threat with the less-experienced Angelaccio at quarterback and with Grochowski playing with a broken hand.
Against St. Charles East, Angelaccio threw for 84 yards and O’Shea caught five passes for 46 yards, including a 15-yard touchdown.
Maine South senior safety Jack Hoffman has an interception in each of his last two games.
The Hawks secondary has received a boost in recent weeks with Holbrook, a cornerback, and junior wide receiver/safety Cam Stacy getting more time in the defensive backfield.
Edge: Maine South
Dan Shalin is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press