Statement win: No. 2 Maine South demolishes No. 6 Glenbard West

It is only Week 1, but that isn’t too early to recognize the statement Maine South made Saturday in Glen Ellyn. The No. 2 Hawks demolished No. 6 Glenbard West 62-34.

Maine South’s offense was tremendous through the air and on the ground, and its defense made several big plays and set the tone early. The Hawks opened a 14-0 lead, withstood a brief spurt from the Hilltoppers, then cruised through the second half.

It’s rare to see Glenbard West, a program known for its defense, give up such a massive point total. The Illinois High School Association’s online records go back to 1996, and the Hilltoppers’ previous high in points allowed since then was 49.

‘‘We didn’t expect that score,’’ Maine South quarterback John O’Sullivan said. ‘‘But we do expect to come out and win and score a lot of points.’’

In his first varsity start, O’Sullivan was a perfect 13-for-13 for 150 yards. He threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Cam Stacy and ran for two touchdowns of his own.

O’Sullivan didn’t realize until after the game that he didn’t throw an incomplete pass. When he was informed, his answer was perfect: ‘‘I need to throw the ball more.’’

The 6-3, 190-pounder was poised and polished. He played like an experienced senior, not a senior who had played only a handful of drives last season.

‘‘I woke up this morning and felt fine,’’ O’Sullivan said. ‘‘It was easy. We just did what we were coached to do. That makes it easy.’’

O’Sullivan connected with five receivers. Stacy caught eight passes for 113 yards, including touchdowns of 47 and 15 yards. Bobby Inserra caught three passes for 51 yards.

O’Sullivan was especially effective scrambling out of the pocket.

‘‘John was poised and made good decisions,’’ Maine South coach Dave Inserra said. ‘‘He found the open receivers for some big first downs. The game shifts right there in the first quarter. I’m happy with the overall effort. That’s a tremendous defensive team.’’

O’Sullivan said he has received limited attention from colleges at this point.

‘‘I’ve had coaches text me a little bit,’’ O’Sullivan said. ‘‘I expect to get some more attention.’’

Hawks running back Fotis Kokosioulis was his usual darting, dominant self. He had 18 carries for 152 yards and scored three touchdowns, including a 52-yard burst down the right sideline.

‘‘Obviously, Fotis is dangerous,’’ Dave Inserra said. ‘‘We have that balance, and teams are going to have to respect that.’’

Glenbard West ran the ball effectively in the second half. Ryan Diver carried 13 times for 82 yards and Tyquan Cox 13 times for 78 yards, including a 23-yard touchdown.

The Hilltoppers have some star power of their own in receiver Alec Pierce, who made a diving 42-yard reception to set up their first touchdown. Pierce finished with four receptions for 103 yards (all in the first half), including a 45-yard touchdown catch.

Glenbard West quarterback Alex Hollensbe was 11-for-17 for 181 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions.