Maine West bounces back with decisive triumph

Friday night's nonconference football game at Maine West was going to give either the Warriors or Round Lake a recovery victory after both suffered losses in Week 1.

Maine West made it a point to score early and often, which enabled it to seal a 35-6 home win over the Panthers.

No teammates connected better in the first half than Maine West seniors Frank Hess and Nick Abramsan. Hess threw for 110 yards in the first 12 minutes, 94 of which landed in the hands of Abramsan, including a 31-yard touchdown catch.

The Warriors (1-1) first drive of the game ended with a 15-yard touchdown pass to senior Tom Solis, who tallied 48 yards on the night.

"Our receivers did really well tonight," said Hess. "They ran their routes well and let me get the ball to them. This is a great win for us."

Hess would also showcase his running game as he ran for 59 yards and scored in the beginning of the second quarter on a 15-yard run up the left side. The Maine West offensive line also created holes for sophomore running back Calvin Williams, who pounded his way to 61 yards and a touchdown.

While Round Lake's defense was overpowered in the first half, it came out in the second half looking completely different. The Panthers' (0-2) defensive line pressured Maine West, allowing only 7 second-half points.

Offensively, Round Lake was lead by John Strickland, who rushed for 44 yards and a touchdown.

For Maine West, defense played a big role in the victory. Junior lineman Dan Savino helped the group stand strong the entire game.

"Our guys came ready to play tonight," said Warriors head coach Chris Hare. "Seeing these guys play with pride and intensity was great. I feel like we lacked that a little last week, but they brought it tonight."