Maine South senior middle linebacker Luke Preston has switched positions and numbers — twice — since he was an all-conference defensive tackle last season.
But his production remains the same.
On Friday, Preston and the Maine South defense came up big in a 21-13 road win against previously unbeaten Evanston in the Central Suburban South opener for both teams.
“We knew (Evanston) would bring the heat,” said Preston, who switched to No. 9 from No. 56 in Week 4 in order to be eligible to catch passes. He wore No. 50 as a junior.
“It was their homecoming game, they were 4-0. We just wanted to bring it to them and show we’re the (defending CSL South) champs. I think we did that.”
Maine South’s front seven was responsible for Evanston’s two turnovers. In the third quarter, senior linebacker Danny Wolf returned an interception 38 yards for a touchdown to give Maine South a 14-7 lead.
Late in the game, with the Hawks up 21-13, senior defensive lineman Ethan Leach’s hit on Evanston junior running back Quadre Nicholson caused a fumble, and Maine South senior defensive lineman Jon Halvorsen recovered.
“(The strong defensive effort) starts up front with the front seven,” Maine South coach Dave Inserra said.
Nicholson had 56 yards after Evanston’s first series, but he gained only 49 yards the rest of the way.
“I always thought we were a really good run defense,” said Preston, who lives in Park Ridge. “We shut down a lot of gaps really fast, we just clog the hole.”
The 5-11, 205-pound Preston said the switch from undersized defensive tackle to middle linebacker has brought with it a lengthier job description.
“D-line is more 1-on-1 with the (offensive) tackle,” Preston said. “At middle linebacker, you have to know if it’s a pass, know if it’s a run, read your keys. There is a lot more responsibility.
“But overall, it’s a great time. I love it.”
Preston switched to an offense-eligible number ahead of the team’s 42-14 win against Conant in Week 4. Though Preston saw some time as an H-Back in that contest, he did not get the ball. He’s said he’s hoping that will be the next step in his evolution as a player.
Wolf also ran for a 2-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter for the Hawks (4-1, 1-0 CSL South).
Senior quarterback Cole Dow made his third straight start in place of senior Bobby Inserra, who suffered a leg injury in Week 2. Dave Inserra said Bobby Inserra, his son, could return for Week 7 against Glenbrook South.
