Geneva vs. Batavia: The players break it down

Geneva

Joe Augustine, Sr., WO

What is the key to winning? "I think turnovers are going to determine the game. If we force turnovers, we have a good chance at winning."

Does it matter that you are 8-0 and Batavia is 5-3? "Not at all. It doesn't matter if we were both (winless) or that we are undefeated. This is always a really tough game. They always play us really tough."

What does the rivalry mean to you? "We always have the Batavia game circled on our calendars. This is a big game. We are going to try and finish out strong. We are just happy to be here."

Describe the level of excitement. "We are all excited, not just because it's Batavia, but because we are trying to have an undefeated season heading into the playoffs."

Matt Caliendo, Sr., DE

What is the key to winning? "Keeping our defense under control and play like we usually do."

Does it matter that you are 8-0 and Batavia is 5-3? "It doesn't. It is another game and the school is behind us. We already made the playoffs, already won conference, but everyone is pumped up."

What does the rivalry mean to you? "It's a big deal. Our whole community is behind us, wanting us to win."

Describe the level of excitement. "We are really excited. Hopefully, we'll end our season strong and get ready for the playoffs."

Jake Conforti, Sr., WO/DB

What is the key to winning? "Everyone playing as a team, everyone giving 110 percent and the offense feeding off the defense and the defense feeding off the offense."

Does it matter that you are 8-0 and Batavia is 5-3? "Nope. It doesn't matter at all. They have as many horses as we do. We match up great against them. It doesn't matter."

What does the rivalry mean to you? "To me, it's just another game. I consider every game a big game. Obviously, it's a rivalry game." (wind interfered with some of the answer)

Describe the level of excitement. "I shaved my head for it. I'm pretty pumped. The whole school is -- teachers, students, everyone. It's going to be a great atmosphere."

Mike Mayszak, Sr., QB

What is the key to winning? "Just playing our game and executing how we know we can and have done all year."

Does it matter that you are 8-0 and Batavia is 5-3? "Not really. In a rivalry game like this, you have to show up. It really doesn't matter who is the favorite."

What does the rivalry mean to you? "It's big. I try not to get all caught up in all the hype -- I just want to focus on the game -- but it's a big game. We all for sure want this one."

Describe the level of excitement. "We are ready to go. We've been looking forward to this game since last year."

Batavia

Pat Brooke, Sr., DB/RB

What is the key to winning? "Winning the line of scrimmage, not having a lot of penalties and not making a lot of mistakes. We know they are a great team because of their record but from watching film, they have a lot of key flaws we can exploit just by using our speed and intensity."

Does it matter that Geneva is 8-0 and you are 5-3? "I think that actually makes it better for us. It takes the pressure off us and puts it all on them thinking they have to come out and do well. I think we are going to have a little more fun with the game than they will."

What does the rivalry mean to you? "In football season, it's everything. It's kind of cool they have the game at the end of the year. We have to wait our entire season to play it. Right now, we are in an all-or-nothing situation. If we win this, not only do we get to beat the unbeaten Geneva team, but we are in the playoffs too. It re-ignites the community. It's amazing. Everyone seems to get up, not only through the entire community itself -- we get support and excitement too -- but also from our coaches and players. You have to play in it to understand it. I can't wait."

Jordan Church, Sr., TE/DL

What is the key to winning? "I think we should eliminate turnovers -- that was the key in our last two victories. Spread out the ball on offense, complete first-down passes (and) just get first downs, basically."

Does it matter that Geneva is 8-0 and you are 5-3? "I don't think it matters at all. It's Geneva-Batavia. We are both going to come out hard."

What does the rivalry mean to you? "We've been brought up on a lot of hating on Geneva in the past, so it's just a big rivalry to every Batavian. It's a very exciting week. Coach (Matt) Holm's speech is always big…it's a big week of preparation for all of us."

Jack Creed, Sr., LB

What is the key to winning? "If we block and tackle well every game, we can beat anyone we play. If our offense gets going early and our defense is on, we'll just have to hold them."

Does it matter that Geneva is 8-0 and you are 5-3? "No. We know what we can do. We know we are a good football team and we'll be ready to play no matter what just because it's Geneva."

What does the rivalry mean to you? "It's about beating arrogance, character over arrogance because that's the way we feel about the rivalry. Last year when we played the second game (in the playoffs), everyone was saying, 'Oh, whoever wins this game is going to state.' We could care less. We just wanted to beat Geneva. There's no more exciting game. Ever. This is the game of the season. There is no game more important than this."

Sean Ramsey, Sr., OL

What is the key to winning? "The key to winning is always play in the trenches with the offensive linemen. If we win that battle, we'll win the game."

Does it matter that Geneva is 8-0 and you are 5-3? "Last year, we were the underdog too, and that worked out pretty well for us. It's all about who is the more confident team. We won our last three games, so we are feeling pretty good. We are the underdogs, but we kind of like it that way."

What does the rivalry mean to you? "You grow up watching these games. Last year, there were thousands of people at it, it was just packed. You know how much it means to the town. It's really bragging rights for the entire year if we win this game, so it's huge. On a scale of 1-10, man, there is no number in that ratio I can give to tell how excited I am for this game."