Another run in them?
Geneva attempts to reload after Class 7A runner-up finish in 2008
A joy of high school football, at least for coaches, is its turnover. Sure, they love senior-dominated rosters that often lead to great success. But when those seniors leave, a huge hole is left. Returning seniors have not played much, and a new crop of juniors comes up with no feel for varsity speed.
Welcome to Geneva Vikings football 2009.
Corey R. Minkanic / For the Beacon News
(Corey R. Minkanic/For The Beacon-News)
All this week, the Beacon News satisfies your prep football appetite with our 2009 team previews.
Sunday: Sandwich, Plano, Mooseheart
Monday: Aurora Christian, Aurora Central Catholic, Marmion Academy
Today: Geneva, Batavia, Yorkville, Kaneland
Wednesday: Oswego, Oswego East
Thursday: East Aurora, West Aurora, Waubonsie Valley
"We've been here before. We've had turnover like this," coach Rob Wicinski said. "It's kind of exciting. It's fun. It's coaching. Last year it was kind of 'don't mess it up.' Now this year, it's a different dynamic."
A big difference heading into this rebuilding process, however, is the presence of the five returning starters they do have.
First is returning quarterback Brandon Beitzel. As a first-year starter last season, he was able to grow into the position with a 2,000-yard running back behind him. And by reaching the Class 7A state title game, he made big throws in big games and there was no defense he didn't see.
"That confidence in itself I hope will benefit us and hopefully lead him to success," Wicinski said.
And if you were going to have one senior starter come back on offense, what better one to have than a quarterback with a shotgun arm?
"I'm going to do what I do -- I run the ball and a leopard doesn't change its spots," Wicinski said. "But you try to maximize and emphasize some of the talent you do have. And having a quarterback that can throw a little bit, we're going to try to utilize his talents."
But with just Beitzel back on offense, the most solid part of the 2009 Vikings to start the season will be the defense.
In the middle of the defensive line is Frank Boenzi, one of the most athletically gifted down lineman I've ever seen play high school ball. Behind him is middle linebacker Bret Shannon, who started on the outside last year next to Brennan Quinn. Shannon is a solid player, giving the Vikings two pillars to lean on defensively.
"If you could have anybody back, you'd like to have somebody in the middle," Wicinski said. "Being on the offensive side of the ball like I am, we've been catching up (to the defense) all summer. Both Brett and Frank had great offseasons. We're hoping they can anchor a defense that matures as the season goes on."
While much will be learned about the new Vikings in the first two weeks of the season, its key players will set them on the path to success.
"To try to replace what we had last year, that's quite an undertaking. That's a pretty good class," Wicinski said. "They've had some success at the lower levels, but it's always different though when you get up to the varsity and get them up to speed." Prep Football
