There does not appear to be much of a drop-off at Geneseo.
The East Peoria football team saw that firsthand when it played one of Illinois’ decorated programs Friday in the season opener at Clatt Field.
Geneseo, the Class 4A state runner-up a year ago, scored 28 second-quarter points en route to a 42-7 non-conference victory.
The second half was played under a running clock after the Maple Leafs returned two interceptions for touchdowns in a 42-point first half.
“The long-term effects of this game will make us a better team,” EPCHS head coach Doug Martin said.
On the first play from scrimmage, Tyshawn Burch scampered 14 yards for the Raiders.
The home team got no closer, however, and Geneseo marched 47 yards on its first possession to take a 7-0 lead.
Blake Croegaert plowed ahead three yards for the touchdown at the 8:49 mark, his first of two scores on the night.
The Maple Leafs, who are ranked No. 3 in the Associated Press 4A preseason state poll, kept coming at East Peoria with solid backfield options.
Martin said it is not like the Raiders did not know the talent level of Geneseo.
“If you want to be good, you’ve got to play good people,” he said.
The Raiders crossed midfield again on their second series. Burch had a couple nice runs, Justin Beamer hauled in the first of his team-high three passes and Andrew Wallace picked up a first down on a quarterback keeper.
The Geneseo offense trotted back on to the field after East Peoria turned the ball over on downs, but the Maple Leafs’ possession was short-circuited.
Freshman Tony Hall recovered a fumble to set up the Raiders at the Geneseo 42-yard line.
Unfortunately for East Peoria, the Maple Leafs picked off a pass two plays later.
That turnover netted the guests their second TD of the night, a Brady Seei three-yard run.
In a span of 5:26, Geneseo found pay dirt four times, including a combined 100 yards of interception returns from Croegart and David Behrens.
“We knew we needed to get a drive, maybe we pressed too much,” said Martin of trailing by 14 points after one quarter. “It’s a learning experience for the kids, it’s a learning experience for the coaches.”
To East Peoria’s credit, it kept battling in the second half.
The Raiders crossed the goal line after motoring 64 yards in nine plays in the third quarter, overcoming back-to-back penalties.
