Maine South's girls flag football title defense is over.
Evanston edged the Hawks 7-6 in the sectional finals Monday, Oct. 12, at Evanston, eliminating the defending state champions before the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) state tournament. It was the second time in three years the Wildkits knocked Maine South out of the playoffs, the Journal & Topics reported.
The Hawks had a chance to tie. They scored a touchdown but failed to convert the point-after try, and Evanston's defense held from there, according to Sports Illustrated's state tournament preview. The Wildkits finished the game at 18-2. Maine South dropped to 16-7.
The Hawks entered the postseason as defending champions. Maine South won the state title in October 2025 at Willowbrook High School in Villa Park. Quarterback Aribella Spandiary kneeled to run out the clock in that final, according to the Journal & Topics' championship coverage.
Maine South's playoff run showed flashes of that championship form. In the sectional semifinal Oct. 10, the Hawks routed Lane 26-6. Emerson De La Cruz went 18-for-32 passing for 156 yards and two touchdowns with one interception, adding 13 carries for 108 yards and two more scores. Laila Abukhalaf hauled in six catches for 63 yards and two touchdowns. Tina Majka led the defense with nine flag pulls, the Journal & Topics reported.
Despite the elimination, USA Today's Super 10 rankings still listed Maine South at No. 10 statewide heading into championship weekend. The Hawks dropped from No. 8 the previous week.
The state tournament opens Friday, Oct. 16, at Willowbrook High School in Villa Park with four quarterfinal games. Evanston, ranked No. 2 in the Super 10, faces top-ranked St. Charles North at 2:30 p.m. Friday. The other quarterfinals: St. Ignatius College Prep vs. Marist at 4:15 p.m., Hononegah vs. Prospect at 6 p.m. and Bradley-Bourbonnais vs. Lyons at 7:45 p.m.
St. Charles North and Prospect enter as the only unbeaten teams remaining, according to Sports Illustrated. Semifinals are set for 10 a.m. and noon Saturday, Oct. 17, with the championship game at 5 p.m. WCIU will stream the games.
