Palatine intends to maintain momentum
Mention defending a title at Palatine and it is likely to bring a quick correction.
"Going after it," coach Tyler Donnelly said of Palatine's quest to repeat as Mid-Suburban West football champions.
A change to make practice more competitive was a big reason the Pirates made a second-half push to share the title with cross-town rival Fremd. Donnelly likes what he's seen in maintaining that edge.
"They hate to lose and they get on each other," Donnelly said. "They're competitors. They take their lunch pail and go to work and they're all throwback kind of kids. There are no prima donnas at all."
There are three Bobbit brothers who will be playing prominent roles as the Pirates chase a third straight playoff trip.
Senior Chad Bobbit returns up front on defense, junior Cody moves from receiver to quarterback to run the spread offense and freshman Jesse will start at safety.
Cody Bobbit, who takes over for three-year starter and all-area pick Matt Rossi, showed his throwing ability with a 40-yard option TD pass last year at Barrington.
"He's a competitor, a tough kid and he wants to win," Donnelly said. "But it's really not a one-man show."
Nor has it been in Donnelly's tenure. Returning starting linebacker Joe Pelnar is a big part of the running game and Mike Luschen and Dan Haze lead a strong receiving corps.
And the Pirates seem to keep getting bigger and better every year up front. Shah Patel and Adam Schroeder are returning starters and Adam Dreger also got some starts.
"Our offensive line is light years ahead of where we've ever been because of that (competitiveness)," Donnelly said.
The defense should also be strong with tackle Tyler Jones, who started seven games on a torn knee meniscus before having surgery, Jim Smearman, Phil Brand and Pelnar leading the linebackers and Haze moving from safety to cornerback.
"There is a sense of confidence," Donnelly said. "We remind them every day that last year was last year and this is a new group."
One that is going after another title.