As eagles2k3 said, we were down on the field all game. Great game. A few mistakes, but very exciting with a lot of long plays.
My 2 cents on some of the posts:
- Didn't notice any excessive whining from Palatine at the refs. They wanted a PI that was close, but a good call IMO. The other big gripe was the very late whistle when #4 got hurt. That was warranted. His forward progress was completely stopped, and he was beginning to get pushed backwards, yet that whistle never blew. He took at least 2 hits that would've been avoided with a proper whistle.
- That rugby punting was killing me. Maybe the QB is usually an incredible rugby punter and booms it. But to me, it felt like a ploy to set up the punt/run option... I'm fine with the run/punt option, but not in that situation. The last two rugby punts of the game travelled 20 yards and 4 yards. The 4-yarder gave MS the ball inside the Palatine 30 yard line. Field position should've been the more important consideration. But, with all that being said, the final punt was a traditional punt, and the lefty sophomore only got about 25 yards out of it anyways.
- Kokosioulis is so much fun to watch. Incredible strength for his size, and great balance. Palatine got several good licks on him, but he never relented.
- Stoudamire was THISCLOSE to breaking loose several times in the first half. He was gassed late, but that burst is phenomenal. You'll be reading about 200-yard games from him when he's 100% healthy.
- This may be splitting hairs, because Palatine played a good game and has a good team... but, I feel like they still have some progress to make for things to run smoothly. The players were sometimes frustrated on the field, yelling to the sidelines for formation calls, play calls, and clarification from the coaches. Late subs. Late decisions on punt/go for it. Again, it was subtle... it was probably undetectable from the stands and I don't think it hurt them, but it was there. If nothing else, they have some room to clean it up as they continue to grow.
- Maine South fans didn't travel. I was shocked. Rematch of the semis, perfect weather... what gives? I've been a Maine South rooter several different times over the years, and I don't recall football ever traveling that poorly. Basketball fans traveling has always been lax there, but never football.
- The lights were discussed several times down on the field!!! It was definitely a couple shades dimmer than a usual HS stadium. "Hey, are all the lights on?" Yes. "Okay, but doesn't it feel dark to you out here?" Yes! LOL. Not sure what they can do if all the lights were actually on.