Palatine’s playmakers have put the Pirates in the Class 8A semifinals for the second straight year.
While the Tribune’s No. 2 team has plenty of offensive threats, the Pirate with perhaps the biggest flair for flashy plays resides on defense.
Jake Moertl’s nose for the ball has been Palatine’s secret weapon in its 12 wins. The junior cornerback made his ninth interception of the season during last Saturday’s 10-6 win against previously unbeaten St. Charles East in the 8A quarterfinals.
“He really understands his assignments and our defensive schemes,” Palatine coach Rick Splitt said Wednesday. “That allows him to play very aggressively, and he’s made some huge plays that have given us a lot of momentum.”
Moertl has returned three of his picks for touchdowns, including what he calls his favorite interception of the season, a pick-six that broke a tie against New Trier and propelled the Pirates to a 41-21 win in Week 4. His teammates have gotten in on the act too, with Palatine totaling 26 interceptions.
“We try to make a big play every play,” Moertl said. “I play so aggressively on the ball because I know my two safeties and the rest of the guys have my back. Going for the ball is part of what we do. We don’t play conservatively back there.”
Palatine’s defense, stout all season while allowing 14.2 points per game, has turned it up in the playoffs. The Pirates’ opponents have combined to score 23 points in three games, including a 34-0 shutout of Notre Dame in the first round. Palatine held St. Charles East 33.6 points below its average of 39.6 through 11 games.
The unit may face its toughest test yet in Saturday’s semifinal at Maine South. Led by junior running back Fotis Kokosioulis, senior quarterback Nick Leongas and a line anchored by Michigan State recruit Kevin Jarvis, the Hawks (9-3) have been nearly impossible to stop this season. They average 41.3 points and have scored 34 or more in 10 of 12 games. Their 43 points in a one-point loss to Loyola in Week 2 was the most allowed by the No. 1 Ramblers this season.
Maine South avenged one of its losses in the second round, beating Barrington 42-27 after falling to the Broncos 41-27 in Week 3.
“They’re a great team, but we’re not going to play any different than normal,” Moertl said. “We try to play as fast and as physical as possible, and it’s worked out well so far.”
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