Assuming we all survived that blast furnace of a heat wave at the start of the week, here we are out at – or headed for – Bob Reade Field and the “official” start of football season.
I say “official,” because we were here last week, too, for something new – a scrimmage against another school. And not just any school, but I'll have more to say about Pleasant Valley in a few paragraphs.
This week, it's the Catamounts from Gary Comer College Preparatory School, located about 10 miles or so south of downtown Chicago.
Comer has been here the last three years. Geneseo won all three games, by scores of 49-0, 52-6 and 56-0. The Catamounts play hard and they're determined to develop a strong program.
That's a tough thing to do for a Chicago Public League school. Among other things, they don't start football until high school. Some schools don't have a full field to practice on.
But, coming out here may be the only school-sponsored trip out of the city for some of these guys. They're glad to be here, so we're glad to have them. When they do something good on the field, why not reward them with applause or a cheer? You are absolutely the largest crowd they will play in front of all season.
Comer is organized, and one element they have is speed. The Leafs are learning a new defensive system, so if they read a key incorrectly, Comer could have six on the board and quickly.
Last week, there was that scrimmage against a nearby Quad-City school, Pleasant Valley. Those of you who were here – and there were a lot of you – know that it was a hard-hitting affair, played with enthusiasm.
They don't post scores of these scrimmages, but the only time I saw the goal line crossed was when the Spartans got in on a two-yard dive a little over halfway through the “game.”
The Spartans had a big defensive line. We're talking Quincy-like quickness and agility. Yeah, they could play in the Western Big Six and would, if the Mississippi River didn't bend where it does.
As it is, Pleasant Valley plays in the Mississippi Athletic Conference. That league also includes Davenport Assumption, Bettendorf, DeWitt Central, Clinton, Davenport Central, Davenport North and Davenport West, Muscatine and North Scott.
Pleasant Valley counts 1,541 students, to Genesseo's 840.5. Back in the day, I remember when Geneseo's enrollment was twice that of Pleasant Valley. Times change.
Against that competition, Pleasant Valley is 35-7 the last four years. Wow!
The Spartans should have been a good measuring stick for playing in the WB6, and that happens week after next when Moline comes to Bob Reade Field.
Next week, the Leafs head to Clinton, Wis., a town of 2,200 located in Rock County, about nine miles northeast of Beloit, a small city which hugs the Illinois-Wisconsin border.
Clinton is just 88 miles east of where I live now, in Cuba City. But, I don't go to that part of Wisconsin, ever, and know little about them.
But, they've had some success lately. They're a school of 550 students, had a 5-5 season last year, and made it to the first round of the playoffs in their division.
I've read that Clinton has a sizable population of Amish, has a clean environment and a family-friendly atmosphere.
But be alert to this: TV Channel 3 in Madison reported that West Nile Virus was detected in mosquitoes in Rock County last week. So bring your bug spray . . .and maybe an extra can.
And watch out for buggies out on the road. We have them in this part of the state, too, and you can't be too careful.
Safe travels, everyone!
