On Friday October 28, 2022 an action packed showdown between the Palatine Pirates (8-1) and the Downers Grove South Mustangs (6-3) took place at Chic Anderson Stadium, resulting in a 31-23 Pirates win. 

After a key sack from junior Phillip Rolek on a third down with five yards to go the Pirates forced a punt with 1:25 left before halftime up 14-13. Just 18 seconds later senior Thomas Coroneos was in the endzone off a 42 yard strike from junior quarterback Tommy Elter. 

“Donnelly definitely made some serious adjustments at halftime to help us get him (Tommy Elter) over the mental aspect of trying to run out away and get out of the pocket and it worked out really good, ” senior tight end Nate Branch said.

Once the Pirates took a 21-13 lead they never slowed down. A five yard touchdown run from senior Tyron Luckett in the third quarter put the Pirates up 28-16. 

“I think protection went really well,” offensive lineman Dylan Sarg said. “Our run plays we had maybe eight yards a pop, our inside zone runs worked really well.”

In the fourth quarter Downers Grove South proved that they wanted to stay in the playoffs as quarterback Ryan Dawson connected with receiver Brandon Amaniampong on a 17 yard touchdown to bring the game back to a one possession lead for Palatine.

Downers Grove South had their opportunity to bring the game back, but with 42 seconds left on fourth down the Palatine pass rush was too much for Ryan Dawson as he made an ill-advised pass and the pass was defended by Palatine senior Josh Reiswig. 

Josh Reiswig’s pass breakup would be the game clinching play for Palatine, as they move on to play against Minooka Friday, November 4th at 7:00 PM.