Maine East 56, Amundsen 14
THE SKINNY:Short-handed Maine East rode a dominating ground game, which was led by Javed Lukovic, to a big win over overmatched Amundsen (0-2) on Friday in Park Ridge. Maine East coach Gabe Corey dodged a Gatorade shower after the Blue Demons improved to 2-0. Maine East was missing senior quarterback Alex Corey, junior backup quarterback Steve Youel, senior tailback Christian Lopez and backup tailback sophomore Woody Corey because of injuries.
TURNING POINT: Amundsen struck first on a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown, but Maine East settled in, and after pinning the Vikings deep in their own territory on Amundsen’s third possession, forced a safety. The Blue Demons then scored on the ensuing possession to take a 16-6 lead.
STAR: Lukovic took the team on his shoulders early, rushing for 60 yards and touchdowns of 9, 7 and 3 yards in the first half. He added a fourth score in the third quarter on a 13-yard run, finishing the evening with 98 yards on 13 carries.
BY THE NUMBERS: With a third-string quarterback, junior Justin Ethakattu, under center, Maine East didn’t attempt a pass, but the ground game certainly made up for it. Junior Munkhaldar Bayar had a huge night as well, with three touchdowns and 161 yards rushing.
QUOTABLE: “I told (Javed) all week long we were going to ride him because of Alex being out and Christian being out. We needed him to set the force,” Gabe Corey said. “Everything offensively we did today centered around what Javed did early. He was just a beast.”
