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Palatine eager for West title defense

The word is out on Palatine.

After beginning the season 1-2 last year, many high school football observers had written off Palatine. The only issue was that somebody forgot to tell the Pirates.

Palatine ripped off 7 wins in a row. including a playoff victory at Huntley, before bowing out of the postseason against Glenbard West. Along the way, the Pirates stunned everyone except themselves by winning the Mid-Suburban West title.

"Because we struggled, it made our team come together last year," Palatine coach Rick Splitt said. "It is funny how that works.

"A lot of these guys that are on the field now lived through all that last year. They just want to continue to do what we do here and want to keep the tradition strong here."

The biggest issue the Pirates have is how to replace their two main cogs in an offense that averaged nearly 30 points. Running back Cam Cornelius rushed for 1,475 yards while quarterback Nick Orlando, who was a two-year starter, threw for 1,664 yards and 10 touchdowns.

"Our wide receivers are definitely our strong point," Splitt said. "But we have some big shoes to fill, especially on the offensive line and the way Nick Orlando and Cam Cornelius played last year."

Joey Roy, Javone Stricker, Dan Garcia and Matt Lamm all started last year for the Pirates and could be the best quartet of receivers in the area. All have great speed, soft hands and the ability to block, which should help a inexperienced running game.

Palatine will turn to Nick Sabado, who has great quickness, and junior Joshua Turner (5-11, 175) to pick up where Cornelius left off.

Palatine will turn to junior Zach Oles to run their offense this season. Oles, who was the starting quarterback on the sophomore team, has been impressive, according to Splitt.

"He has run our offense well this summer," Splitt said. "He has a strong arm and great receivers to help him."

The Pirates will look to revamp their offensive line as well after graduation took its toll. Christian Arenas (6-0, 230), Matt Kerlin (6-4, 275), Max Stepp (6-0, 250), Andrew Martino (5-11, 230), Jason Zych (5-11, 195), Carson Walker (6-2, 245), Joey Smearman (5-10, 260) are all in the mix and should see significant playing time.

"About half our defense is back," Splitt said. "I really think our linebackers will be the key. They really get to the ball very well."

That linebacking corp of Michael Williams, Dillon McHugh, Brody Muck and Nelson Hanson should give the Pirates a strong advantage. Add in a defensive line led by Jake Falduto at the end spot along with Ethan Senner, Mackenzie Balangan and defensive tackles Ethan Lloyd, Jason Lopez, Ben Riddle and Jackson Riddle, and the Pirates should be able to improve on a defense that struggled at times last year to stop the run.

Jake Garcia returns to lead the secondary and will have help from Anthony Portera, Elvin Lama Sosa, Dylan Tapia, Thomas Nalley and Myles Staples.

Palatine doesn't get a break to open its 2015 season as the Pirates will host defending Class 8A state champion Stevenson.

"We will find out very quickly where we are at," Splitt said.

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