Palatine getting closer to maximum efficiency

You would think Palatine is running on all cylinders if you watched its systematic breakdown of Hoffman Estates on Friday night.

The Pirates aren't yet, but they're getting closer after their Mid-Suburban West-opening 49-7 victory over the host Hawks. With Cody Bobbit back to his triple-threat best (quarterback/defense/punting), the offensive line delivering its best punch and the defense smothering Hoffman's attack, the Pirates can't wait to get on the field next week against Conant.

"We were confident coming in," said Bobbit, who tossed for 300 yards and three touchdowns, clicking on 21-of-28 passes. "We were confident in our plays - every facet of the game."

And why not? There was very little mystery by halftime, when Bobbit had hit Nick McHugh for a 20-yard TD and Jimmy Smearman (96 yards rushing, 81 receiving) ran in from inside the 10 twice more. Dan Haze added another short TD run as Palatine not only dominated yardage but field position thanks to Haze's gutty punt returning.

Add the steady blocking of Joe Landeck, C.J. Machnik, Tyler Farris, Nathan Gerdes and Josh Baldus up front and Palatine amassed 461 yards in total offense.

"The offensive linemen are always there," providing protection and running room, said Bobbit.

Plus, the Pirates (3-2, 1-0) committed just one turnover. Head coach Tyler Donnelly likes that.

"That was the goal. We had to improve," said Donnelly, who also likes Bobbit's style. "He's remarkably efficient."

And with receivers like McHugh (just back from injury), Haze, Bobbitt's brother Jesse and Taylor Hall, who all had multiple receptions, "We think we have some kids who can catch," Donnelly added, and talented John Serio returns next week.

And Smearman "-is not going to sit for any little injury," with the team depending on him so much. "I'm just trying to play my hardest," he said.

While Palatine limited Hoffman to 207 yards total offense, just 1 passing, the Hawks (0-5, 0-1) had their chances early. After Jermaine Moore darted up the middle for 85 yards to make it 14-7, backup quarterback Mike Stanford's long toss from his end zone went off a receiver's fingertips behind the Pirate secondary for what would likely have become a 95-yard TD and a 20-14 game.

"It was there," lamented Hoffman head coach Bill Helzer, who was proud starting quarterback David Gutierrez strapped it back up and went back in during the second half after injuring his shoulder and seemingly becoming done for the night. Michael Reeves showed some punch running the ball, too. But Palatine took advantage of its field position to frustrate the Hawks all evening.

"I have to take my hat off to Palatine," said Helzer. "They executed. They did a nice job. We kind of put ourselves in a bad spot," with penalties and the inability to advance the ball consistently against Lucas Rago, Rory Fritz and Co.