One might think the turning point in Maine South’s 45-0 win over Niles North on Friday was the moment the visiting Hawks got off the bus.
But that wasn’t necessarily the case.
Maine South (4-0) actually took a while to get going on both sides of the ball, settling for a field goal on its first drive and allowing the host Vikings a 20-play drive the first time they had the ball.
This is why two second-quarter interceptions by Hawks senior safety John Cerniglia loomed large in the contest.
The first pick came early in the frame with the visitors up 10-0. Cerniglia intercepted a ball in the end zone after Niles North had reached the Maine South 20 yard line.
In the final minute of the quarter, Cerniglia jumped in traffic for a second interception. On the next play, senior quarterback Matt Alviti hit tight end John Solari for a 57-yard score that put the Hawks up 24-0 at the break.
“That was a big turning point. It was good,” Cerniglia said about the second pick and its aftermath.
A strong performance by Cerniglia was especially important Friday after the Hawks lost senior safety Clay Burdelik to an early ankle injury.
But Maine South coaches and players know they can rely on Cerniglia, who became a starting safety in the seventh game of last season after playing as a JV cornerback.
“John really picked up last year out of nowhere,” Maine South head coach David Inserra said. “We just had a gut feeling (he could play safety) and he really helped us out there. This year, he’s just been a steady ballplayer for us.”
Senior safety Alberto Rossi, who plays alongside Cerniglia in the defensive backfield, said the pair complement one another well.
“I’m his partner in crime, and he’s a pleasure to play with,” Rossi said. “He’s a very talented player and a good friend of mine. I guess he’s more of a cover guy, as you can see with the two picks. I call myself more of a hitter.”
