Palatine defense stops Libertyville

Palatine 25, Libertyville 7

THE SKINNY:A stiff defense and driving offense put Palatine out in front of Libertyville early, allowing the Pirates to dictate the pace of the game.

TURNING POINT:Libertyville (0-1) appeared to be gaining momentum after a touchdown drive to open the second half, but the Wildcats lost a fumble on Palatine’s (1-0) 49-yard line. Pirates quarterback Nicholas Orlando threw a 51-yard touchdown pass to receiver Chris Cornelius on the next play, giving Palatine an 18-point cushion heading into the fourth quarter.

THE STAR:Orlando filled the stat sheet, completing 9 of 16 passes for 186 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He accounted for another 92 yards and a touchdown with his legs.

BY THE NUMBERS:Palatine’s offense put up 449 total yards compared to just 195 for Libertyville. The Wildcats weren’t able to take advantage of three Pirates turnovers, while the Pirates put the dagger in Libertyville by scoring one play after recovering a third-quarter fumble. Palatine outrushing Libertyville by 122 yards was also a deciding factor.

BREAKING IT DOWN:Costly turnovers for Libertyville and timely offense by Palatine allowed the Pirates to take control of the game by the middle of the first half. Palatine held Wildcats quarterbacks Riley Lees and Anthony Monken to just 54 yards passing.

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