Since 2016 the Central Suburban League and the Mid Suburban League have held a home and home series in weeks 3 and 4. Prospect and Maine South faced off in Park Ridge in one of the most anticipated matchups of the weekend.
This back and forth affair would live up to the hype. The Hawks struck first as quarterback Jack Defilippis ran a 2 yard quarterback keeper. Then the Knights struck back quickly when quarterback Bradley Vierneisel threw and 83 yard bomb to star receiver Frank Covey. Covey would leave the game with an injury moments after the touchdown.
After Hawks tight end Ryan Pothast made a 24 yard one handed catch in the endzone, the Knights got two touchdown receptions from Sebastian Wildhart. The second touchdown came after Prospect blocked a Maine South punt. Vierneisel finished off the half with a 1 yard quarterback sneak with 41.5 seconds left. Prospect lead 27-13 at the half.
Early in the second half, Maine South sophomore running back Michael Dellumo and Prospect sophomore running back Noah Easter traded touchdown runs. Then late in the 3rd, Hawks senior linebacker Brady Marques intercepted Bradley Vierneisel off a tip and returned it for a short touchdown. It was 34-27 Prospect after 3 quarters.
Despite the Knights being ahead, Maine South had the momentum after the defensive touchdown. The trio of Jack Defilippis, Michael Dellumo, and Evan Agosto took over. At the 7:43 mark of the 4th quarter Dellumo had a 22 yard catch and run from Defilippis which put the Hawks to within 1 after a missed extra point. After the Knights punt the Hawks went ahead after two 28 yard receptions from junior receiver Evan Agosto with the second reception putting the Hawks ahead. The Hawks added a two point conversion to make it 41-34.
There was 3:19 left, which was plenty of time for Vierneisel and the Knights offense. On the final drive, Vierneisel added runs of 10, 12, 10, and 4 yards, and completions of 4 and 2 yards. Then the clutch play of the game; a 28 yard pass to running back Gavin Flanagan for a touchdown on a broken play. Vierneisel would then run and leap in to the endzone for 2 points, capping off a 42-41 victory for the Knights over the Hawks.
Vierneisel finished 28/43, for 386 yards, 4 passing touchdowns and 2 interceptions. He also had 8 carries, 53 yards, and a rushing touchdown. Defilippis was 18/38 for 214 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Both teams open their conference schedule next weekend. The Knights (4-0) host Hersey (3-0) in a game that could decide the Mid Suburban East. The Hawks (2-2) host Glenbrook North (2-2).
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