Fremd Secures Historic Win Over Palatine After 2,205 Days

UPDATE: In a thrilling turn of events, Fremd High School ended a heartbreaking streak of 2,205 days by defeating crosstown rival Palatine 23-13 during the highly anticipated Battle of the Tracks on October 20, 2023. This victory marks Fremd’s first win in the series since 2019, bringing joy to players and fans alike.

Fremd’s coach, Lou Sponsel, expressed the significance of this victory, stating, “There’s so much emotion in this … it’s huge for our school, it’s huge for our team, our program.” The atmosphere was electric as the Vikings (7-1, 3-1) celebrated a win that has eluded them for years.

The game featured the much-anticipated return of standout quarterback Johnny O’Brien, who had missed the previous week’s loss due to an injury. O’Brien, a Northwestern commit, played a pivotal role in sealing the victory, throwing an 8-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver MarQuan Brewster with just 1:21 left in the game. This score capped off a remarkable 99-yard drive that started deep in their own territory.

With 7:30 remaining in the fourth quarter, Palatine’s decision to kick from their own 33-yard line backfired when the punt was downed at the Fremd 1-yard line. A roughing the kicker penalty left Palatine coach Corey Olson with a difficult choice: accept the penalty and risk giving up valuable field position, or trust his defense to hold Fremd back.

“It’s a tough decision…but knowing the outcome, hindsight’s 20/20,” Olson reflected. “I will probably be thinking about that all night.”

With the momentum in their favor, O’Brien directed a masterful drive, converting a crucial fourth-and-1 with a 4-yard pass to wide receiver Ben Riddle. Just moments later, he connected with Brewster on a post-corner route for the game-sealing touchdown, making it a two-possession game.

“We had a different play called…but we’re going to take that all day,” O’Brien said, highlighting the strong connection he shares with Brewster. The win not only signifies a turning point for the Vikings but also sets them up for a crucial matchup against Schaumburg in Week 9.

For Palatine (4-4, 2-2), the loss adds pressure as they prepare for a must-win game against Conant, with a playoff berth on the line. “There’s a lot on the line,” Olson noted. “It’s not going to be hard for our kids to get ready and be ready to compete.”

In a game filled with emotion, Palatine’s Kole Fager scored both of the Pirates’ touchdowns, while Fremd’s Jayden Faulkner contributed with two rushing touchdowns. With a field goal from Sheamus Sloan in the third quarter, Fremd showcased their determination and resilience.

This unforgettable night for Fremd not only marks the end of a long-standing rivalry drought but also ignites hope for the rest of their season. As they head into the next game, fans and players alike are eager to see what’s next for this revitalized team.