QUAID TRAVES (9) and Ricky Williams of Geneva slam Zach Durastante of Wickliffe to the turf during a 42-7 win at Memorial Field. DANIEL KRAUS / Star Beacon
Published August 23, 2008 03:42 am - GENEVA — A neutral observer would view Geneva’s 42-7 win over visiting Wickliffe Friday night as a solid win for the Eagles.
Eagles party like it’s 1999 Geneva wins first opener in 9 years
DAVID NEGIN Star Beacon
GENEVA — A neutral observer would view Geneva’s 42-7 win over visiting Wickliffe Friday night as a solid win for the Eagles.
But, to head coach Tony Hassett and his team, it was much more.
The win marked the first time Geneva had won an opening football game since a 26-13 win over South in the 1999 season.
In fact, Hassett could not even remember the last time Geneva had beaten a non-conference opponent outside Ashtabula County.
“It is a big deal for our program,” Hassett said.
What also was a big deal was how his team performed.
Consider:
n Geneva rushed for 315 yards on the ground, including 160 from senior running back James Murray (3 touchdowns).
n The Eagles did not commit a single penalty during the game.
n The Geneva defense held Wickliffe to just 148 yards total from scrimmage, yielding just 8 first downs.
n The Eagle passing attack broke out in a big way, with junior quarterback Tyler Erb showing the experience gained as a starter last year was valuable. Erb completed 9 of 13 passes on the night (completing his last 9 passes) for 190 yards and a touchdown.
The last point particularly pleased Hassett. While people knew that Geneva had a potent running game returning behind Murray (1,124 yards last year) and an experienced line, the Eagles did not have a proven passing attack.
“Last year, we were one-dimensional,” he said. “It makes a big difference that we have more than one guy this year. Tyler has worked hard throwing the ball, and is a lot stronger.”
The fact particularly pleases Murray, who amassed 124 of his yards in the first half.
“When you have people like Caleb Strauser (4 catches, 106 yards) and Alec Muller (5 for 84 yards) running down the field and getting open and Erb throwing them the ball… it is just awesome,” he said.
SEASONED FIREWOOD FOR SALE Mixed Hardwoods. Cut & split approx 16” $225.00 cord (+) or Slab wood, cut $150.00 cord(+). Delivered within 15 miles of...>MORE
CHRISTMAS TREES PreCut or You Cut $25. Nov. 27th Saturdays & Sundays 9-5; 5926 Sidley Rd. Madison 440-298-1818...>MORE
WANTED TO BUY!! Wanted to Buy Complete plow assembly for a 2002 Dodge pick up truck. 440-319-5510 lv msg....>MORE
"WE NEED LAND!" Paying top prices for farms or acreage in OH, W. Virginia and PA. Call Bruner Land Co. at (740) 685-8138....>MORE
Christmas Trees! Spruce & Pine - Wagon Rides, Big Selection. (440)293-7330 www.logbarnfarm.com...>MORE
MACHINERY & TOOLS SAFES- Large & small, Forklifts, extra forks, Pallet Jacks, air compressors, (1-20HP), complete torch sets, welding gass...>MORE
WANTED TO BUY Immediate Cash for unwanted items. Call for details 440-319-4274...>MORE
Cemetery Lots 2-lots Garden of Christus, Greenlawn. $400/both. 440-391-3795...>MORE
BUYING JUNK VEHICLES WE PAY SCRAP OR BETTER Budget Auto Parts, 6015 Woodman Ave. 992-1111...>MORE
Apartment for Rent 1BR duplex Ashtabula $350/mo (440)417-3616...>MORE
House for Rent 4BR/2ba, nice $700, sec. 8 OK Nice Lg 3BR apts $475. 992-8425...>MORE
Apartment for Rent Avail Again! After 22 years. 2 room effic. $300+elect. & refs. Call 440-964-3483...>MORE
PLEASANT VIEW ESTATES, CONNEAUT 1BR suite Maple Ave, Conn, nicely decor, priv patio, quiet area near hospital, on site laundry, spacious parking, stove/...>MORE
Geneva House for Rent Geneva. 3BR house $950 + utils. 440-361-4256...>MORE
Print this story
Post to del.icio.us
