Batavia (3-4) at Geneva (6-1)
7 p.m. Friday
Those Batavia football players that didn't believe they had a chance to beat Geneva before last week's regular season finale, now are believing the upset is possible.
It may sound funny, but that is because of the second half effort of a 40-12 loss. Now the eighth-seeded Batavia squad will try to upset the top-seed.
The Blue Devils found something in the Panther defense that coach Dan Geiger believes they can exploit. Geneva is a powerhouse and is ranked No. 3 in the state in Class B.
But it was clear after the homecoming loss last Friday, Batavia's players believe a victory is possible.
Oh yeah, a healthy Rob Williams will help.
Williams injured his hip in Week 6 and was initially not expected to play last week, but saw very limited action in the first Geneva game. And he didn't do much.
But he's close to 100-percent and will make a big difference rushing the football, returning kicks and covering the super-athletic Geneva receivers.
Williams will probably go over 1,000 yards rushing for the year in this game, which would be the second Batavia back to do so.
Anthony D'Aurizio had 24 carries for 183 yards last week and now has 1,009 yards and 10 touchdowns on the season.
The key to this game will be to obviously run the football, which the Blue did with success in the second half last week.
Batavia will also have to slow down the passing attack of Geneva as the Panthers receivers were wide open last week.
DeAnze Williams, Junior Collins and Derrious Thomas were all separating from the coverage with ease last week and quarterback Bobby Martin had no problem finding them at-will.
The secondary has to stick with those guys.
A victory in this game would be HUGE for the Batavia program and could set up the Blue Devils for a shot to shock the world and win a sectional title.
