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Chris Buscemi and Mike Bosco talked to one another on the sideline Friday while the rest of their Maine South teammates were on the field preparing for the game against Niles West.

As much as both seniors wanted to be out there for the matchup between two undefeated teams, each player was on the bench for health reasons.

While Buscemi, a middle linebacker, holds out hope he will overcome mononucleosis and return for the final game of the regular season, Bosco, a receiver/cornerback, most likely is finished for the fall after injuring his ACL during Week 5’s game against New Trier.

Those weren’t the only starters out last week for No. 1-ranked Maine South.

Additionally, senior defensive lineman Mike Klein, senior running back/safety Clay Burdelik and senior tight end John Solari didn’t play in the team’s 51-14 win over the Wolves. What’s more, senior offensive lineman Donny Nordstrom and senior defensive lineman Tom Hader were hurt during the game.

Nordstrom hurt himself for the second time this season.

Maine South coach Dave Inserra did his best to put a positive spin on the situation after the game.

“That’s the sign of a good team,” he said. “It’s a credit to the other guys for getting ready to go. It was a solid effort.”

Everybody except Bosco is expected back in action by at least Week 9 when the Hawks play Glenbrook South.

“I’m going to help the guys out in practice where I can,” Bosco said. “During games, I will be cheering them on.”