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Palatine blows out Evanston

Palatine sailed in the right direction Friday in Evanston.

The Pirates, who had struggled on both sides of the ball in their first two games, put together a complete effort to rip Evanston 43-0.

"We settled in better defensively," Palatine coach Corey Olson said. "That's what we talked about all week. We are believing in ourselves and finishing."

With an offensive line of Adam Heikkinen, Israel Juarez, Tony Machado, Jhermari Mabry and Jack Conforti, the Pirates were able to pile up 416 yards of offense.

Defensively, Palatine was equally stout. Led by Mitch Larkin, Mabry, Bobby Widlowski, Joe Wagner and Filip Rolek, Palatine allowed just 102 yards and 4 first downs.

"We had a tough week one and picked it up week two," Larkin said. "It really came together tonight."

Palatine (1-2) showed off all its weapons in the first half as the Pirates built a 27-0 lead.

Dominick Ball was able to showcase his speed and strength after being limited in his first two games. The sophomore rushed for 100 of his 128 yards and a touchdown in the first half, breaking tackles and using his speed to get to the outside.

"The energy was there," Ball said. "The line was blocking great and the wide receivers were getting me blocks downfield. It was beautiful."

Quarterback Grant Dersnah also was able to find his stride. The junior completed his first 6 passes and threw for 167 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the first half.

"I am growing with confidence in every game," said Dersnah, who finished with 216 yards on 13-of-17 passing. "I just want to keep getting better."

Dersnah completed a 4-yard touchdown pass to Mitch Larkin. He also connected on a 40-yard touchdown pass to Iowa-bound Jake Bostick, who had 4 receptions for 73 yards, including a pair of catches to start the game.

"There were some great play calls and the team executed them perfectly," Bostick said. "It was a great way to start the game. I was glad to get back in the game after a little injury and catch that touchdown pass."

Widlowski, who booted 3 conversion kicks in the first half, also had a 1-yard touchdown run out of the Wildcat to end the scoring in the first half.

Palatine picked up where it left off at the break. Dersnah had a 1-yard touchdown run, Widlowski booted a 32-yard field goal and Danny Hopper had a 2-yard touchdown run.

"This is a real confidence booster for us," Olson said. "Give credit to the kids. They did a job executing the plan."

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