Marquee first-round matchup awaits Geneva

Updated: October 26, 2011 7:17PM

When the playoff pairings were announced Saturday night and Geneva drew fellow 7-2 team Lake Zurich in the first round of the Class 7A playoffs, coach Rob Wicinski had an instant thought.

“It reminds me of a second- or third-round matchup,” Wicinski said.

Based on the arc of each program’s success over the past decade, that’s the kind of matchup one would come to expect in November. But the two 7-2 squads will go at it Saturday at 1 p.m. in Lake Zurich in one of the marquee games in the state in Round 1 of the playoffs. The winner will likely face the No. 1 team in Class 7A, Glenbard West, in the second round.

“We can’t control it,” said Northern Illinois-bound senior quarterback Matt Williams. “They’re a great program and we’re looking forward to playing the best. You have to beat the best to be the best. It’s a great opportunity for our program.”

Geneva recovered from its upset loss to South Elgin in Week 8 with a dominating win over Larkin last week, but the Vikings are still searching for an identity. They will have to find it this week to avoid the program’s first-ever first-round playoff loss. Geneva is a staggering 13-0 all-time in the first round of the playoffs.

“I think we’ve been a little bit inconsistent and I don’t think we’ve played our best game yet,” Wicinski said. “We need to get it together this week. The clock is ticking. It will be interesting to see how the kids respond. We had our best week of practice last week and we had an excellent day (Tuesday). We’re in a good spot right now.”

The Vikings have certainly had little problem scoring points this season. Led by Williams, running backs Bobby Hess and Parker Woodworth and receiver Ben Rogers, Geneva has averaged over 38 points per game.

This week, however, Geneva may be facing the best defense it has seen all season, particularly at the linebacker spot. Led by Minnesota recruit Jack Lynn, three-year starter Mike Shield and Taylor Coleman, the Bears are dynamic at linebacker. Add in defensive linemen Will Hussey and Rocky Triggiano, and the Vikings will have their work cut out for them. Lake Zurich has allowed only 73 points all season.

“They’re a fast, disciplined defense,” Williams said. “They’re good. I’m looking forward to playing them. They execute everything well. They run it perfectly.”

Offensively, Shield carries much of the load at running back, with some help from Connor Schrader. Senior quarterback Zach Till, who scored five touchdowns against Zion-Benton last week, is a two-way threat. Lynn steps to the offensive side to provide quite a weapon at tight end/

Geneva has allowed 10 more points per game than Lake Zurich this season and has seen huge rushing totals allowed in both of its losses this season.

No matter the opponent or the challenge that lies ahead, however, the Vikings are thrilled for the chance to settle it on the field.

“Everyone is really excited,” Williams said. “We get to keep playing football, why would you not be excited? For some of us, it could be our last game. Hopefully we’ll keep winning.”

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