The Palatine varsity football team concluded their season on Nov 7 with a loss against Lincoln Way East in the second round of the playoffs. Although the Pirates had a better record in past seasons, this is the first year since 2022 that they advanced beyond the first round of the playoffs.
“Our coach always told us we have one goal, and it’s just to make the playoffs, and we got to do that this year, and we also got to win a playoff game which we haven’t done in two years,” senior offensive tackle Tony Balanganayi said. “Being able to do that this year was very remarkable.”
These efforts included some pivotal performances both from upperclassman leaders on the team as well as younger players with less experience at the varsity level.
“I’m really proud of the younger guys that kind of bought into the system and were able to trust the seniors to understand that, hey, if you want success, then it’s about doing your job and having fun while doing it,” senior wide receiver Kole Fager said.
The senior class this year also played a key role in maintaining a positive culture, even among injuries and other adversities.
“We focus on three main things in our program: work hard, compete, and team first, and by the time those guys are seniors, they know that stuff, and they understand it, and they know what it’s about, and they’re ready to lead whether or not things go your way, or they don’t go your way,” varsity head coach Corey Olson said.
After some injuries in the middle of the season and a streak of losses from weeks 3-5, the Pirates picked it up to end the season on a high note, moving on to win their first playoff game against Whitney Young 29-8.
As a coaching staff, I think we’re always looking for ways to be better.” Olson said. “You look at things that hurt you over the course of the year, and figure out how to get better at defending those things or executing those things on offense.”
The Pirates intend to carry the momentum from a positive end to this year on for future seasons of Palatine football.
