Wendell runs for 5 touchdowns, helps Geneva clinch share of DuKane crown by beating Wheaton North

Paced by senior running back Nelson Wendell’s five rushing touchdowns, Geneva bested Wheaton North 42-14 at Burgess Field Friday night.

With the win, the Vikings clinched at least a tie for the DuKane Conference crown.

“We did get a share of the conference with the win and that is something to be excited about,” Geneva coach Boone Thorgesen said.

Wendell finished the night rushing for 133 yards on 13 carriers and also caught one Ben Peterson pass for 10 yards.

“I didn’t think I was going to have that many, but my o-line was creating big holes all night long,” Wendell said.

Illinois recruit Bennett Konkey crossed the goal once for Geneva (7-1, 6-0) on a 3-yard pass from Peterson, an Eastern Michigan commit, in the second quarter for the squads’ third score. Konkey caught five passes for 67 yards.

The Vikings scored on four of their five first half possessions. Geneva wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, needing only three opening drive plays for their first TD – a 20-yard Wendell run up the middle.

The senior also ended the Vikings’ second and fourth possessions by crossing the goal line on a 10-yard and a 1-yard run.

Geneva’s defense kept the Wheaton North offense in check during the first two quarters limiting the Falcons to only 95 total yards in four drives. Two ended in punts, and the Vikings’ Alex Abraham ended a third by intercepting a pass from Wheaton North quarterback Grant Neibch.

“The defense really stepped up against a good offense tonight and held them to 14 points,” said Thorgesen.

Wheaton North (5-3, 3-3) did mount one successful drive in the second quarter which ended with Adam Schilling’s leaping catch in the endzone of a Neibch 19-yard pass.

The sophomore quarterback completed six of 13 passes for 81 yards.

The Vikings need only three plays at the start of third quarter to score their first touchdown on the second half. Wendell finished the drive with his fourth TD of the night on 6-yard run. The senior also ended Geneva’s next possession by crossing the goal line on another 6-yard rush.

Rory Burke replaced Neibch in the second half and engineered the Falcons’ second touchdown ending the first possession of the fourth quarter with a 17-yard pass to Tyler Snow. Burke completed three of his six attempts for 65 yards.

Geneva’s entire offensive line – seniors Joe Ninni, Mason Dilks, Oliver Egan, Mark Atkins and Jake McCastland – can take credit for opening holes in the Falcons defense for Wendell.

“I can’t just single out one player because they are a unit and are playing really good football together,” Thorgesen said.