Week 5 Games to Watch: Batavia (4-1) at Geneva (5-0)
In this article:
The 105th Meeting between these two top programs is shaping up to be one of the best games in Illinois this Friday. Not only does this game have major implications within the DuKane Conference, it is a matchup of two…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe 105th Meeting between these two top programs is shaping up to be one of the best games in Illinois this Friday. Not only does this game have major implications within the DuKane Conference, it is a matchup of two teams that are poised to make deep playoff runs. Here are three players from each team to keep an eye out for in Friday’s match up.
Batavia Bulldogs
The North Dakota State commit has been the main reason for Batavia’s offensive success this season. Boe, a senior, has been getting it done with both his arm and his legs. The dual threat playmaker possesses a strong arm, the ability to diagnose cover, accuracy, and athleticism. He makes opposing defenses play true 11 man football, as the QB needs to be accounted for on every single play, whether it’s a pass or a run. Look for Boe to bring his A game against a talented Geneva defense on Friday.
Highlights
Whelpley is a jack of all trades for the Bulldog offense. The 6’2, 220 lbs senior is used in a variety of ways, and wherever Batavia lines him up, he goes above and beyond. Whelpley is an incredible skilled blocker at both full back and tight end. He gets downhill to drive through the defensive line, allowing space for his running backs or quarterbacks to break off runs. He is also solid on the edge on kick out and down blocks. Additionally, Whelpley has soft hands and can gain yards after the catch. Additionally, he is a talented running back, who can convert a first down or punch the ball in the end zone from the goal line. Look for Whelpley making plays all over the field on Friday.
Highlights
Fiegel is a game changer at linebacker for the Bulldogs. The 6’3, 220 lbs senior athlete is incredibly physical. He diagnoses run game quickly and uses his quickness and long arms to shed blocks and make tackles. Speaking of tackles, Fiegel is about as sure handed a tackler one will find. He is also smooth in coverage, as he can cover wide areas in zone schemes. With a great frame and a high football IQ, Fiegel is sure to find himself around the ball come Friday.
GENEVA VIKINGS
It won’t be hard to find Taylor in Friday’s matchup, as the receiver is one of the best in the country. The junior playmaker possesses all the traits a modern day wide out needs, including route running, hands, top-end speed, shiftiness, and football IQ. Taylor’s athleticism makes him a home run threat on every play, but what makes him so difficult to stop is that he can beat you in a variety of ways. He currently holds offers from some of the top programs in the country, including Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, and more. Look for Taylor to ball out in perhaps the biggest game of the regular season.
Highlights
Diamond is a senior edge rusher who is currently receiving heavy Ivy League interest. The 6’3, 215 lbs game wreaker is sure to play a key roll in the Viking’s defense as they plan to shut down Batavia’s strong rushing attack. Good thing Diamond is as good as it gets against the run. The senior OLB plays with low pad level, elite lateral quickness, and strong physicality that allows him to be a disruptor. And if Geneva has success stopping the run, enjoy watching Diamond get to work in the pass game. Between his solid bend, polished pass rushing technique, and overall athleticism, look out for Diamond making plays on the edge all night long.
Highlights
The 6’3, 210 lbs defensive end has had a great start to his final campaign. DiLeonardi is a high motor player who brings it on every down. The senior edge rusher is extremely good at shutting down the run, but truly gets to work in the pass game. DiLeonardi has phenomenal bend and plus physicality that makes him a force on the edge. He plays with great technique against the run and is relentless getting after the quarterback. While Boe is a playmaker at quarterback for Batavia, it will be interesting to see how the combination of DiLeonardi and Diamond pursue the quarterback all night long.