Geneva looks to beat 'unhappy' Richards

By Jerry Fitzpatrick

jfitzpatrick@dailyherald.com

Geneva (1-0) at Richards (0-1)

Nonconference

Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Last week: Geneva 28, West Aurora 14; Lincoln-Way North 30, Richards 29

Last year: Geneva 22, Richards 19

Outlook: Against Lincoln-Way North last week, Richards ceded a 21-point lead and lost its season opener. "The last time either of those things happened it was the seventies, so we're not really happy around here right now," Richards coach Tony Sheehan said.

The Bulldogs are led defensively by linebacker Anthony Quinn, who registered 10 tackles last week. Running back Pat Boyle carried 19 times for 121 yards, his path cleared by two-way lineman Joe Carpenter, a 6-foot-2, 275-pound junior. Junior quarterback Jake Moran completed 16 of 23 attempts for 3 touchdowns and rushed for another. He threw a touchdown pass with no time remaining last week, but his potential game-winning 2-point conversion run failed.

Sheahan said his defense must tackle better against Geneva to contain 6-foot-3 senior quarterback Sean Chambers and senior running back Justin Taorima (26 carries, 102 yards, TD).

In his first start at QB, Chambers completed 17 of 22 passes for 136 yards and 3 touchdowns without an interception. He also rushed for 54 yards and played like a cool, collected veteran. "All heck was breaking loose on the sideline and he's calm as could be," Geneva coach Rob Wicinski said. "Looking into his eyes is like having your binky. You could just cuddle up with him and know everything's going to be OK."

Next week: Streamwood at Geneva; Richards at Lemont