Palatine Pirates lose to Broncos 26-21

Playing against a 2009 and 2010 5A IHSA State Championship team was exactly what head coach Tyler Donnelly wanted to start the Palatine Pirates' season.

faced the Montini Broncos on the road in Lombard Friday night.

The two teams began their 2011 season with the evening cooling off, and baby powder in the air, as the Palatine superfans continued the tradition of spraying baby powder on themselves and into the air prior to the first kickoff.

Each team had its share of miscues – turnovers, fumbled snaps. In the end, Montini came out on top with a 26-21 win.

"I think you have two quality programs that are battling each other, and neither wanted to give up a win. Unfortunately we came up a little short tonight," Donnelly said. "I thought there were a lot of bright spots, certainly, number one starting with our kids willing to fight and come back over and over again."

One player who stood out for the Pirates was junior running back John Serio who also took some snaps at quarterback.

"He can throw too, he's got a real powerful arm. He's played quarterback for most of his life," Donnelly said, "we're happy he's on our team."