Daily Herald: Expect a shootout in Maine South vs. Barrington

When the Central Suburban League and the Mid-Suburban League decided on a two-year trial for crossover games, high school football fans quickly began to anticipate the possible matchups between the conferences. One of those dream games between the leagues’ upper echelon teams will be Friday, when Maine South travels to Barrington.

Expect lots of scoring from two teams that have topped the 40-point mark in both of their games.

Maine South may have played the toughest schedule in the state so far. The Hawks, who have averaged 43.5 points thanks to the play of quarterback Nick Leongas, take a 1-1 record into the game with Barrington.

The Hawks opened their season by blasting defending Class 5A champion Montini. Maine South followed last weekend with a 1-point loss to rival and defending Class 8A champion Loyola.

Barrington (2-0), meanwhile, has won both of its games in impressive fashion.

The Broncos, who have averaged 45 points in wins over Glenbrook South and Prospect, have leaned heavily on their run game. Barrington has an offensive line that averages nearly 260 pounds and is led by Nick Bart (6-foot-3, 290), who has an offer from Air Force, and John Stefan (6-4, 295).

“We are really excited with the new schedule,” Barrington coach Joe Sanchez said. “It will prepare us for our conference season and hopefully the playoffs.”

Broncos junior quarterback Ray Niro has been terrific so far through two varsity starts. He’s carried 15 times for 310 yards and a gaudy 20.7 average, and he’s also thrown for 3 touchdown with 1 interception. Seniors Logan Moews (7.2 per carry) and Michael Curran (5.2) have also been potent in the Barrington ground attack, and senior wideout Josh Babicz has 6 catches for 89 yards.

Other top matchups in this week’s CSL/MSL crossovers include a pair of unbeatens meeting as Maine West heads to Hoffman Estates, and a 1-1 Schaumburg team hosting a 2-0 Niles West squad.