Geneva proving it can play with anyone

So, Class 7A?

Too tough for Geneva?

Too much to ask the Vikings to go from beating smaller schools in their non-conference and Western Sun Conference schedules to tackling the bigger boys one class up?

Not exactly.

Not even close.

Geneva is making the move from the Class 6A to Class 7A playoffs look easy. A 35-6 win one week, 35-14 the next.

Not just any 35-14 win. A 35-14 win over neighboring St. Charles East in front of about 5,000 fans with an electric atmosphere buzzing at Burgess Field.

Junior linebacker Trevor Hyslop had his hand in a few of the 6 sacks the Vikings defense racked up against St. Charles East quarterback Sam Gunther.

He heard the talk.

"People said we play in a weak conference," Hyslop said. "We just want to show what we can do. We want to come out and show we can play with any of these teams."

Geneva is showing just that. The Vikings played a complete game Friday, with their trademark defense and running game receiving a spark from a big-play passing attack.

A week after rushing for 310 yards, Michael Ratay was "held" to 155. Except those 155 should be converted to about 210 against St. Charles East's stout run defense (albeit one playing without standout defensive tackle Dave Mashal). And he also ran for 3 touchdowns.

Mike Mayszak gave the offense a lift with a pair of touchdown passes to Joe Augustine, and also helped the Vikings play their normally strong field position game with 55- and 42-yard punts in the second half.

After falling behind 14-7, Geneva's defense held St. Charles East scoreless the final 33:25. Brennan Quinn, Frank Boenzi, Hyslop and Matt Calliendo-- among others -- took turns harassing Gunther.

"Geneva was as good as we thought they would be," St. Charles East coach Ted Monken said. "They were 10-0 for a reason."

Now 11-0, tying a school record for wins and putting them in the quarterfinals for the third time in four years. The last two times it came in Class 6A.

Moving up to Class 7A figured to be an interesting challenge for the Vikings. They went 9-0 in the regular season, but their opponents were a combined 35-46, a better record than only three of the 32 teams in the Class 7A field.

It doesn't matter. Geneva keeps winning, and winning big. Now the Vikings could use a little help with a Moline victory today, which would save them a four-hour bus ride south to East St. Louis and keep them home in the quarterfinals.

"That would be nice, three home games," Hyslop said.

For a few minutes Friday, the road to the Class 7A state championship game seemed to really open up for the Vikings. First with their convincing win, then the announcement that No. 1 seed Wheaton Warrenville South had lost to St. Rita.

Alas, the score proved wrong.

Just like the people who didn't think Geneva could handle Class 7A.