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Schiller, Rolling Meadows dump Palatine to make it 2-0

Rolling Meadows just doesn't reload. The Mustangs fire on all cylinders.

After losing a majority of its team to graduation, Rolling Meadows came into the season with lots of questions. Most have them have been answered with a large exclamation point.

The Mustangs had their second convincing win of the season Friday, bouncing Palatine 24-7 in a Mid-Suburban League crossover game in Rolling Meadows.

"We are still learning what we are made of," Mishler said. "A lot of these kids, they haven't been tested yet. Every game is a learning experience. It is for us to evaluate and for them to evaluate themselves."

Mishler, whose team cruised past Glenbrook South last week, beat its second Class 8A team in a row and knocked off Palatine for the second consecutive year.

"Our guys just keep impressing," Mishler said. "Two weeks in a row they have come out and showed us that they are here to play."

Mishler said that it's his kids and his coaching staff that should get all the credit.

"When you get good kids and good players, it is not hard," Mishler said. "We have kids who love playing football. And we have guys here who love teaching the game. And the tradition helps no doubt."

Rolling Meadows quarterback Carson Schiller, who made the second start of his career, is very aware of that tradition. After being a backup last year, he has stepped into the role very well this year as a senior and completed 20-of-26 passes for 221 yards Friday.

"It is very special to be with this team," said Schiller, who had 2 touchdown passes Friday and now has 4 this season.

"I always watched it growing up. Just playing out here tonight, it is amazing to be with the guys. It has been incredible so far."

Rolling Meadows (2-0) got off to a fast start on its first play from scrimmage. Chris DiVito, who had 13 carries for 80 yards, burst behind a block by Nate Pedraza and scampered 54 yards for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead.

On its next possession, Meadows moved the ball from its own 8 to its own 46-yard line. Schiller then connected with Jordan Miles, also from 54 yards out, and quickly it was 14-0 Meadows.

The Mustangs appeared to be looking to making it rout on their third possession when they tallied again. Schiller hooked up with Daniel Sobkowicz on a 22-yard touchdown pass and it was 21-0 with 10:19 left in the first half.

Palatine (0-2) was able to regroup.

The Pirates moved the ball downfield thanks to a 32-yard catch by Luke Popovich. Two plays later, Ronald Todd scored on a 5-yard pass from Joe Ayala to make it 21-7.

The defenses on both sides dominated play from there with the only scoring coming from Meadows' Danny Fallon on a 33-yard field goal,

The Rolling Meadows defense, which is coordinated by Scott Otahal, was led by Pedraza, Tommy Schell, Luke Joyce, Matt Walas, Mick Lawlor and Nife Oseni. They allowed just two Palatine first downs in the second half.

"We always have room to improve," Pedraza said. "We have this thing called 'double whistle' in practice where we all sprint to the ball in a double whistle. I think that swarm to the ball, it gets to many teams.

Palatine coach Corey Olson said that his team's inability to run the ball effectively slowed the offense down.

"We have to run the football," Olson said. " it always starts there and it opens things up."

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