The Geneva Eagles came out like gangbusters Friday, scoring on every drive of the first half — playing for a second week in a row like nothing could stop them.
Except Mother Nature.
After wide receiver Reid Aderholt’s third touchdown of the game, a 25-yard catch at the end zone pylon for a 49-8 second-quarter lead, nearby lightning strikes drove the teams to the locker rooms for 90 minutes.
When they emerged shortly before 10 p.m., the teams played the remaining 5:22 of the second quarter on a running clock in order to complete the game and make it official.
For the second straight week, Geneva approached 50 points while holding an opponent to less than 10 with the 49-8 win over the Natalia Mustangs, Eagles head coach Adam Foren’s first home field victory.
Two Shae McNew touchdowns, one running, one receiving, opened the Geneva (2-0) scoring. After McNew snagged a 4-yard TD pass on their opening possession, middle linebacker Ian Jayroe stepped in front of a Natalia quarterback Leo Cortinas pass for the interception, returning it 12 yards to the 24. A 15-yard personal foul on Natalia moved the ball to the 9, where McNew ran it in for the quick 14-0 lead.
It only got worse for Natalia from there. A fumbled punt snap gave Geneva great field position. On the very next play, Aderholt caught a 14-yarder for a touchdown and a 21-0 lead.
After a Natalia punt, Aderholt caught a 41-yarder in the back of the end zone for the 28-0 lead.
A second muffed punt gave Geneva the ball at the 9. Wideout Sam Horton caught the 9-yarder for the 35-0 first-quarter lead.
Two second-quarter touchdowns — a 5-yard run by running back Asher Shindler and the closing 25-yard reception by Aderholt, rounded out the scoring.
Coach Foren praised the team post-game for their consistency and for playing six quarters of football without having to punt a single time.
“That’s not exactly how we drew it up, but I’m really proud of our kids for showing up and competing from the start,” Foren said.
Slamming a second straight opponent after the opening week 48-6 win over Sacred Heart, Foren said his offense has set the tone.
“We talk about what our standard is on offense. We want to end every possession with a kick; an extra point or a field goal. And so far, so good from that standpoint,” Foren said.
The quote of the day came from center-middle linebacker Jayroe. The junior came up with the early interception to help spark Geneva’s 14-0 lead.
“Game of my life, coach!” Jayroe said on the sideline several plays later. “I was playing middle linebacker, and I was just reading the quarterback,” Jayroe said of his pick. “All of a sudden, I was floating through the air and I had the ball in my hands and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, oh my gosh.’ I had it.”
Jayroe had little time to celebrate with his defensive teammates, however, as he ran right back out on the field as the center on offense. Jayroe added a couple sacks to round out a half of football he’s not likely to forget for some time.
Quarterback Caleb Quitadamo went 13-of-15 for 207 yards and five touchdowns while Adeerholt made five catches for 130 yards and three TDs.
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