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Solari helps Maine South build commanding lead against New Trier
Maine South's Anthony Mitchell (48) gets tackled by New Trier's Michael Henderson (48) in the first half on Friday, Sept. 21, 2012 in Park Ridge. | Rob Hart~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: September 25, 2012 10:30PM
PARK RIDGE — John Solari was on pace for a career game Friday until a defender rolled the tight end’s ankle late in the second quarter.
The Maine South senior was helped off the field and didn’t return to the game. The 6-foot-4, 229-pound Solari showed up on the sideline in the second half on crutches.
Solari finished with five catches for 130 yards and scored the game’s first touchdown in Maine South’s 45-14 win over New Trier. His status for next week was not known.
“It’ll get better,” Solari said.
Solari showed off his trustworthy hands by snatching two long passes, one for 49 yards and another for 40.
“I felt like I had to step up this year,” he said. “All I have to do is get open because Matt (Alviti) has such good vision that he will get you the ball.”
The Hawks got the ball first and marched 80 yards in 12 plays, capped by Alviti’s 12-yard scoring strike to Solari. Maine South running back Luke Durbin scored from 2 yards out on the next series as the Hawks, the top-ranked team by the Sun-Times, never were threatened by the Trevians. Maine South (5-0 overall, 1-0 CSL South) led 28-0 at the half.
“Our focus this week was starting fast,” Solari said. “The offense did a good job of that.”
Alviti went 16-for-26 for 232 yards and two TDs. The senior also ran for 161 yards and two scores.
The win in the conference opener improved Maine South coach Dave Inserra to 56-0 in league play in his 12 seasons. The Hawks host Niles West next week. By beating Waukegan 13-0 on Friday, the Wolves come into the game 5-0 for the first time in program history.
Meanwhile, New Trier fell to 2-3 overall and 0-1 in the conference. The Trevians got on the board late in the third quarter on quarterback Michael Welch’s 1-yard run. Nick Hendricks later threw a 10-yard pass to Skyler Norris.
Pick up your local Pioneer Press newspaper on Thursday to read more about the Maine South and New Trier football teams.
