Talented Palatine has right attitude
Keeping everyone happy can become an issue on a team filled with star power.
But Palatine coach Tyler Donnelly isn’t concerned about his team’s attitude as it looks to repeat as Mid-Suburban West champs and go on a deep run in what would be a sixth straight playoff trip.
“They play hard and they’re tough kids,” Donnelly said. “They’re not soft and they have a great work ethic.
“They all feel like they’ve been overlooked and they’re all coming out with something to prove.”
Senior safety-wide receiver Jesse Bobbit is expected to come out for his fourth varsity season by Week 2 after suffering a stress fracture in his leg during a drill early in the summer. Bobbit, two-way lineman Josh Baldus and multithreat Cam Kuksa have Division I-AA scholarship offers.
Kuksa rushed for 594 yards and 7 TDs and caught 30 passes for 437 yards and 4 TDs in an all-area junior season.
“He’s always worked hard but he’s working as if he wants to be a college football player,” Donnelly said. “He’s a special player and he’s going to be electrifying.”
But he’s hardly the only weapon. Alex Nawrot is also a running and receiving threat, junior Chaka Kelly brings speed to the backfield and senior quarterback Ethan Olles (1,689 yards passing, 14 TDs; 413 rushing, 4 TDs) has plenty of choices for targets.
“We should be able to put up a lot of points,” Donnelly said.
The Pirates should be able to prevent them as well with a secondary anchored by Bobbit, Kuksa and Dan Riddle. Lucas Rago returns at middle linebacker and will be joined by senior John Serio, who has dropped 20 pounds.
“He looks phenomenal,” Donnelly said of Serio, who didn’t play linebacker until last year’s second-round playoff loss to Glenbard North. “He’s quick like when he came in as a freshman, he’s just as strong and he’s so much faster.”
And depth isn’t a concern with plenty of talented players waiting for their shot.
“We’re going to get everybody’s best shot so we have to be ready,” Donnelly said. “We have to be used to the pressure of performing as the favorite.”
Probable starters
Pirates at a glance
Coach: Tyler Donnelly (eighth year, 43-29)
Last year: 9-2, 5-0 (West champs, 8A second round)
OFFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
QB Ethan Olles 6-2/205 Sr.
TB Chaka Kelly 5-10/180 Jr.
LT Josh Baldus 6-5/250 Sr.
LG Tyler Sydlowski 5-10/185 Sr.
C Ron Rouette 5-10/260 Jr.
RG Cody Oversen 6-2/270 Sr.
RT Justin Roberts 6-6/285 Sr.
WR Alex Nawrot 5-11/175 Sr.
WR Cam Kuksa 6-1/185 Sr.
WR Ryan Gronwick 6-2/185 Sr.
WR Mike Allen 5-8/155 Sr.
DEFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
DE Nick Grimes 5-8/175 Sr.
DT Josh Baldus 6-5/250 Sr.
NT Sam Miller 5-8/210 Sr.
DE Frank Portera 5-9/170 Sr.
OLB Kevin Riggs 6-0/180 Sr.
MLB Lucas Rago 6-2/190 Sr.
OLB Kevin Tragesser 5-11/160 Jr.
CB Josh Mackie 5-9/150 So.
CB Brad Bauer 5-9/170 Jr.
S Tom Holloway 6-0/150 Sr.
S Cam Kuksa 6-1/185 Sr.