A sea of red filled the stands Friday night for Palatine’s annual Red-Out Homecoming game. Fans were loud and spirited, but by the end of the night Glenbrook South was the one celebrating after a 28-7 victory.

The Pirates opened the second half with promise, tying the game at 7-7 on a short touchdown pass from senior quarterback Will Santiago. The energy was electric, with stadium lights flashing and the home crowd erupting. But Glenbrook South responded quickly and took control.

The Titans added two more touchdowns in the second half while Palatine’s offense stalled without key wide receiver Kole Fager, who was sidelined due to injury. The Pirates came up empty on a field goal attempt before halftime and were slowed by penalties throughout the night. Santiago provided a spark with more than 100 rushing yards, but Palatine was held to just one score.

Marching band, cheer, color guard and poms all took the field during halftime to keep the crowd engaged, giving the homecoming spirit a lift even as the game slipped away.

With rain falling by the end of the night, the energy of students and alumni was dampened. Palatine dropped to 2-2 on the season, while Glenbrook South improved to 3-1.

Even with the loss, the Red-Out game drew a packed homecoming crowd. Students, parents and alumni filled the stands in red, celebrating Palatine’s 150th anniversary and coming together for one of the school’s signature traditions.

The Pirates now turn their focus to next week’s game against Barrington as they look to regroup and improve their record for the remainder of the season.