With six state championships and 30 playoff appearances since 1995, Maine South’s success stems from a unique blend of tradition, leadership, and relentless work ethic.

Former player Sean Price reflects on what makes Maine South football special and how its culture continues to inspire generations.

The story of Maine South football begins long before players step onto the high school field. For Price, the foundation of the program’s success lies in the Park Ridge Falcons, a youth football league that feeds directly into Maine South. “From the ages of eight to ten, kids start playing together and improving every year,” he shared.

“By the time you’re in high school, you’ve built years of experience and trust with your teammates.” This early start fosters a unique camaraderie that sets Maine South apart. Beyond the players, the entire town rallies around the team, creating a shared sense of pride and purpose. Price recalls how Maine South’s first state championship in 1995 lit a spark in the community. “Being eight or nine years old and watching the town get so excited made me want to be part of it. That kind of energy motivates kids and builds interest in the program,” he said.

As players progress from youth football to high school, they join a program defined by decades of excellence and consistency. Maine South’s success on the field is no
accident. Legendary coaches like Phil Hopkins and Dave Inserra have built a culture of hard work and discipline that continues to thrive.

“Having the same familiar face for over 20 years creates stability,” Price explained.

“[Coaches] had this ‘father figure’ coaching style that emphasizes hard work, discipline, and showing up every day.” Under this leadership, Maine South has become one of Illinois’ premier programs, boasting six state championships and a reputation for dominance.

The results of Maine South’s culture and leadership are most evident in the defining moments that have shaped its legacy. For Price, one of the most memorable moments of his high school career was the semi-final win over Lake Park during his junior year.

The victory secured Maine South’s place in the state championship and brought the community together in celebration.

“It was a shootout, and we ended up winning 56 to 30-something,” he recalled. “The celebration at home with friends, fans, and the community was unforgettable… it’s the kind of moment that stays with you.”

Though Price’s team fell short of winning the state title in back-to-back championship games, those seasons marked a turning point for the program. “It wasn’t just about making the championship every five years. We raised the bar so high that state championships became the expectation,” he said.

While Maine South’s success on the field is remarkable, the program’s true value lies in the lessons it imparts to its players. For Price, the most important takeaway from his time on the team was the value of consistency and hard work.

“The success you see on game day is the product of what you’ve done in the off-season,” he said. “There’s no secret sauce—it’s about putting in the work every day.”
This philosophy extends beyond football, shaping players into disciplined and goal-oriented individuals who carry these lessons into their lives.
The team’s emphasis on unity also plays a significant role in its success. Traditions like pre-game pasta parties, where players and parents gather for a meal, help foster strong bonds within the team. “It’s not just about football,” Price said. “It’s about laughing, connecting, and building relationships with your teammates and the families who support you.”

As Maine South football looks to the future, its enduring legacy remains a testament to the power of tradition, leadership, and community support. The program’s culture, built on decades of hard work and mutual respect, continues to inspire both players and
fans.

“From the moment you step in as a freshman to when you graduate as a senior, the culture and success are a byproduct of great coaching and the culture they installed for the program [and] the community believes in the program,” Price said.

With its unmatched record of excellence and a commitment to building character, Maine South football stands as a model for what high school sports can achieve, a program that creates champions on the field and lifelong connections off it.