Dunbar 32, Maine West 6
An arduous beginning to the Maine West football season became even more challenging in a 32-6 road loss to Dunbar on Friday night at Gately Stadium on Chicago's South Side.
The Warriors (0-2) had quarterback Sean Willett on the field for the first time this season. The senior returned after missing the opening game due to a coach's decision to gain 86 rushing yards on 19 carries.
But 1 of his 3 interceptoins went for a fourth-quarter touchdown. Willett was 12-for-28 for 96 yards.
Maine West coach Chris Hare said his team is more competitive with its leader on the football field but must give a better team effort.
"We had some scoring chances but we have to finish what we start," Hare said. "We're going to have to take better care of the football and play smarter all around."
The Warriors failed to capitalize on two first-half excursions into Dunbar territory with an interception and lost fumble.
But Willett also intercepted a pass by Dunbar quarterback Daryl Eskridge on the Maine West 1 just before halftime.
Wideout Nick Abramson provided some excitement for the visiting fans with 7 catches for 79 yards and Akesh Patel stole some momentum for Maine West by returning the second half's opening kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown to cut the Dunbar lead to 12-6.
But the Warriors didn't score again and surrendered several long runs to the Mightymen, who racked up a whopping 407 yards on the ground.
Maine West running back John Cruz gained 34 yards on 5 rushes in place of the injured Jake Natali who suffered a lacerated liver on the Warrior's first play of the season last week. Cruz left the game after being shaken up on a fourth quarter run and did not return.
Hare said Natali will be out at least eight weeks but is feeling much better and was able to attend the game after spending several days in bed.
"We're really thin right now and it's something that we're going to have to fight through," Hare said. "There's nothing we can do but hit the practice field and find a way to get better as we go along. It's a process."