Niles West Plays Palatine in First Round Playoffs

The Palatine Pirates (8-1) will be playing on home turf as they head up against the Niles West Wolves (5-4) Saturday, October 27 at 2 p.m. at Palatine High School.   

So far in this football season, the Wolves have won against Westinghouse in Chicago, Niles North, Maine West, Highland Park and Waukegan; they lost to Maine South, New Trier, Glenbrook South and Evanston Township. 

Palatine earned their second consecutive Mid Suburban West title after beating Schaumburg 51-18 on October 19. The Pirates also are making their 6th consecutive playoff appearance, and are the third seed in the North bracket of 8A.

Palatine is led by quarterback Ethan Olles, who set the school passing record last week with 2,329 yards. He directs an offense that features Cam Kuska, John Serio, Chaka Kelly, Alex Nawrot, Eric Theis and Ryan Gronwick, which has averaged more than 41 points per game.

Palatine’s defense, which is led by Jesse Bobbit, Josh Baldus, Dan Riddle, Tom McHugh, Serio and Kuska, allowed just one first down to Schaumburg in the first half last week.

Niles West is making its first playoff appearance since 2004, when Rashard Mendenhall, now of the Pittsburgh Steelers, was playing running back for the Wolves. 

The winner of tonight's game will go up against the winner of Friday’s game between Glenbrook South and Schaumburg. Palatine would play at home if Schaumburg wins, but go on the road if Glenbrook South wins.

Dick Quagliano contributed to this report.