50 football games have been played between the two teams from Palatine. On Friday night, the Pirates outlasted the Vikings 21-14.

Avenging last year’s loss, the Pirates looked to be the top dogs in Palatine on their homecoming night. Eyes were set on the Pirate defense, as they struggled against Fremd’s running backs during last year’s 49-19 defeat.

The Pirate defense led by seniors Dylan Tapia, Mackenzie Balanganayi, Billy Illka, Brody Muck, Matt Garner, JT Streepy, and Scottie Elter looked completely different compared to last year. They answered their critics and proved to remain one of the best defenses in the state by only allowing 14 points.

However, the first points on the scoreboard came from Fremd on a 12 yard pass from Tom Josten to Nick Cecchin.

The ensuing kickoff was fumbled by the Pirates, and fans started to see flashbacks of last year’s game. However, the Pirates defense held their ground and allowed the offense to return right away.

Zach Oles had another solid performance with 272 yards passing and the Pirates first touchdown on a 1 yard run in the first quarter to tie the game at 7 apiece.

Later in the half, the Pirates displayed their clock management as they took over with 1:23 left on the clock. Oles connected with junior Johnny O’Shea for an acrobatic touchdown catch.

“I was sort of feeling it Friday Night, but wouldn’t have done anything without Zach Oles throwing it perfectly and especially the O-Line for giving a ton of protection. When I saw the ball my mindset was to go and get it,” O’Shea said after the game on Friday. His 10 catches for 143 yards made it a long night for Fremd’s defensive backs.

The Pirates favored the running game in the second half. Offensive linemen Basa Balanganayi, Andrew Martino, Ryan Garner, Carson Walker, and Zach Proctor punished the Fremd defensive line which allowed the Pirates to keep the ball moving. Another score by Oles gave the Pirates a 21-7 lead in the third quarter.

A late score by Fremd’s Joe Schneider made it 21-14 with a minute remaining.

Palatine successfully received the onside kick and held on to win the cross town rivalry.

Unlike last year, the Pirates defense held their ground, preventing Fremd from scoring. Corner back Matt Garner followed the game with, “I think the defense did what we needed to do to get the job done, and we played well as a defense but there is always room to improve.”

The Pirates will visit the 0-6 Conant Cougars on Friday. Kickoff will be at 7:30.