The Palatine Pirates delivered a win against crosstown rivals the Fremd Vikings on Thursday.

Although there were some nervous moments, the Pirates managed to achieve a 28-21 victory at Chic Anderson Stadium with a successful fumble recovery by Detton Tietjens (25) with just 48 seconds left on the clock.

Thursday’s win marked the fifth consecutive year that Palatine has beaten Fremd at the crosstown football game. 

“That was one of the most exciting Palatine-Fremd games we’ve ever seen,” said PHS Principal Tony Medina. “And just like I said in the video this morning, this is our town.”

Medina and Fremd Principal Mark Langer recorded a video before the game celebrating the two schools’ long-standing rivalry.

The first quarter ended with the teams tied 7-7. The game remained tied all the way through the rest of the half with a 14-14 score.

It was around the third quarter that things started to look good for the Pirates. 

Quarterback Will Santiago (26) threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to wide open Ryan Donnelly (25), bringing the score to a 28-21 PHS lead that the team would defend for the rest of the game.

“I feel incredible, excellent, and proud,” said defensive tackle Cameron Bickel (26). “Our team has the determination that those kids from Fremd do not.”

The stakes were high in this game as the formerly undefeated Vikings hoped to end the Pirates’ five-year win streak. 

“We won because we’re relentless, and we just keep fighting no matter what,” defensive tackle Jaylen Maiden (26) said. “I think that all just boils down to coming together as a team and getting closer and closer.”