Pirates Battle Niles West in First Round Playoffs

The Palatine Pirates (8-1) will be playing on home turf as they head up against the Niles West Wolves (5-4) Saturday, October 27 at 2 p.m. at Palatine High School.   

Palatine earned their second consecutive Mid Suburban West title after beating Schaumburg 51-18 on October 19. The Pirates also are making their 6th consecutive playoff appearance, and are the third seed in the North bracket of 8A.

Palatine is led by quarterback Ethan Olles, who set the school passing record last week with 2,329 yards. He directs an offense that features Cam Kuska, John Serio, Chaka Kelly, Alex Nawrot, Eric Theis and Ryan Gronwick, which has averaged more than 41 points per game.

Palatine’s defense, which is led by Jesse Bobbit, Josh Baldus, Dan Riddle, Tom McHugh, Serio and Kuska, and allowed just one first down to Schaumburg in the first half last week.

Niles West is making its first playoff appearance since 2004, when Rashard Mendenhall, now of the Pittsburgh Steelers, was playing running back for the Wolves. Niles West won their first 5 games of this season, but dropped their final 4 games.

If they win Saturday, the Pirates will go up against the winner of Friday’s game between Glenbrook South and Schaumburg. Palatine would play at home if Schaumburg wins, but go on the road if Glenbrook South wins.

Dick Quagliano contributed to this report.