Gabe Corey aims to please coach — his dad

Being a coach’s son is not always easy for a high school athlete.

Maine East senior Gabe Corey, however, not only enjoys playing for his father of the same name, but has thrived as a two-year starter this season.

“I just want to get better every game and help my team out,” Corey said. “I want to help us win as many games as possible. I’ve played both ways pretty much my whole (career), so I’m used to it.”

The versatile 5-foot-11, 175-pound Corey has been nursing a knee injury all season, but he doesn’t come off the field often.

“He’s not 100 percent, but he lines up every down and gives me everything’s he’s got,” Maine East coach Gabe Corey said of his son.

“Part of that is that he’s the coach’s son. I can’t ask for anything more out of him.”

Corey is a starting safety and also sees plenty of time at wide receiver and running back, his favorite position.

Corey rushed for a team-best 53 yards on eight carries in the Blue Demons’ 56-13 Central Suburban North loss to Niles North Friday.

“He’s playing on both sides of the ball for us,” said the elder Corey, who also coaches his sons Alex (junior), George (sophomore) and Woody (freshman) on varsity. “He had a solid offensive game for us. He calls our defense for us and sets everything up.”

Maine East (2-3), which has lost three straight after a 2-0 start, will look to get back on track Friday when it travels to Highland Park for a Central Suburban North matchup. Highland Park (1-4, 1-0 in conference) beat Maine West 42-21 Friday.

“We have to come back and get something positive going,” Coach Corey said. “I still think we have some wins in us. We have to build our confidence back up. We’ll bounce back.”