RE: 2018 Official Verbal Thread
There is little question that the Maine South football team's offense begins the season short on experience. Just three players who started on last year's Class 8A state championship team are back.
Maine South will have a whole new offensive line. The Hawks will have to replace lineman Kevin Jarvis, who now plays at Michigan State, among others. Plus, first-year quarterback John O'Sullivan takes over for Nick Leongas.
The Hawks do, however, return their biggest playmaker in senior running back Fotis Kokosioulis, and he is determined to lead his team back to the state finals.
"I think what helped us win last year was people didn't think we were going to win, so we used that as motivation," said Kokosioulis, a Park Ridge resident. "And I think this year people are already thinking that since we lost all these guys they might be doubting us. So we'll use that as motivation as well to try and get it done."
Kokosioulis rushed for 1,464 yards and 21 touchdowns last season for the Hawks. He's also a major threat in the passing game, as he's compiled more than 4,000 yards of offense in the past two years, Hawks coach Dave Inserra said.
And, given the lack of varsity experience surrounding him this year, he'll likely be called upon to carry an even bigger load.
"We've got to take some pressure off the O-line and we've got to take some pressure off the quarterback, so we'll use Fotis in all kinds of different ways," Inserra said. "Line him up everywhere, somehow and someway get him the ball and make it a little bit easier on John O'Sullivan."
Kokosioulis, who committed to play at Northern Illinois in April, said he didn't bother attending recruiting camps this summer and instead focused on preparing for his senior season and another run at a state title.
Kokosioulis said he spent a good portion of his time doing endurance training in anticipation of a bigger workload this season. The 5-foot-9 Kokosioulis said he also added 10 pounds of muscle to his frame and now weighs 175 pounds.
"He looks bigger, but he's always looked big — he's just a very strong kid," Inserra said. "Pound for pound he's our strongest guy. He just really has an incredible work ethic and he's got the skills to go along with it. That's what you want and that's why he's a Division I player."
Kokosioulis' offseason exploits certainly come as no surprise to his teammates. Senior Cam Stacy, who returns as a starting receiver and safety for Maine South, said Kokosioulis' work ethic is unparalleled.
"I haven't really played with many guys like him," said Stacy, a Park Ridge resident. "I don't really believe he gets the recognition that he deserves and he puts in the work like no one else. He's always pushing everyone else at practice. He hates losing — he's one of the most competitive guys you've ever met — so he brings that same attitude to practice every day and in games. He's just a really special running back."
Kokosioulis is aware that many will view him as the focal point of the Hawks' offense this season, but he's not concerned about his supporting cast. Kokosioulis extolled O'Sullivan's arm strength and acumen in the pocket and tabbed Stacy and senior wide receiver Rory Hayes as guys who should have huge years alongside him for the Hawks.
"I think the guys that we've got coming in are doing pretty good, so I don't think it's all on me, you know," Kokosioulis said. "I obviously have to do my part, but I have trust in our guys. Coming in I could see how it looks like it's on me, but I don't think it is at all, because I know my guys and I have trust in them and I think they'll do a great job."
Brett Christie is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
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