Leafs Expect to be Challenged by Moline
By Keith Brake
Geneseo Current
Moline, Quincy and Geneseo.
It's nice to see Geneseo up there tied for the lead with the two largest schools in the Western Big Six after one week of league play.
Now, the Maple Leafs take on one of them when they head over to Browning Field in Moline on Friday evening, Sept. 19.
This isn't a big unknown for Geneseo's players, who start competing against the Maroons in junior high school.
“They're (Moline) very good,” said Geneseo Coach Matt Furlong. “They started their season against three good opponents.”
Moline, like Geneseo, is 2-1. The Maroons opened with a 30-24 loss to Rockwood Summit, of Fenton, Mo., a traditional power in Missouri.
Then Moliine got a win over Sycamore, an old Geneseo rival from the 70s and now an established power in Illinois Class 5A. Sycamore scored a touchdown late, getting to within one point at 21-20.
The Spartans went for a two-point conversion and the win.
Moline stopped it.
Then last week, the Maroons were 36-20 winners over Sterling as WB6 play began.
“We'll be challenged,” Furlong said.
“Moline has a rangy sophomore quarterback,” said Furlong. “We'll see some spread stuff. But they’re solid running the ball, too.”
“Defensively, they're big up front and aggressive,” said Geneseo's coach. “They like to play downhill, so we'll mix in some counter action and our passing game.”
Rochelle's domination (41-14) of the Leafs in Week 1 knocked Furlong and his staff off balance for a bit.
“Well, we were certainly not at our best,” Geneseo's coach said.
But the Leafs were in control in wins over Assumption and Rock Island “We have good physicality now. We're finishing blocks and tackles.”
“Our quarterback, Jackson McAvoy, has developed more understanding of what this offense is trying to do, and our backs are blocking for each other,” Furlong added.
“I'm happy with where we're at,” Geneseo's coach said. “We're putting things together. Also during the summer we developed good senior leadership.”
“We have a good foundation, but now we have to build quick.”
NEW TURF – Fans will note something new at Browning Field . . .an artificial playing surface. Now, all Western Big 6 stadiums sport that feature.
