| BataviasBest.org
Thursday, October 2, 2014
After another blowout victory a week ago, Batavia finds themselves sitting at 3-1 as they approach one of their most difficult challenges all season long: the Geneva Panthers.
“I think Geneva is definitely going to be a tough team,” said Blue Devils’ Senior James Cryer last night, “But with a lot of hard work and trust in the game plan, they are definitely a team we can beat.”
After a big win last week, Junior WR Malachi Chenault believes moving forward is his team’s best opportunity to continue their streak.
“The win last week was great,” he said. “But I just try to focus on our next game on the schedule and afterwards, I turn the page. Everyone is hyped for this next game because it is a huge opportunity to prove to everyone that Batavia football is back.”
Most difficult mentally for Batavia on Friday night, will be carrying the proper mindset into the game following a few lopsided victories. However, Senior lineman Gunner Rapone is confident his team will not get distracted.
“The right mindset is key,” he said. “We can’t get distracted by anything and if we go out there and perform to the level that we can play to, we can do something that hasn’t been done in a while (securing a record over .500).”
In order to clinch a positive record this week, head coach Brennan Briggs believes slowing down the Panthers’ running attack will be vital.
“I’ve watched all of their games on film,” said Briggs. “They are a well-coached team with a solid running back and a solid QB. We need to bottle up their run game and take care of the football if we want to win this week.”
Later in our conversation, the Blue Devils head coach expanded on the role his defense will play in the game.
“On defense, everyone needs to do their 1/11th. If that happens and we take care of the football, I am confident in our chances.”
As one of their toughest tests so far this season, I asked Briggs how this week’s challenge will effect his team and whether or not Geneva has been their most daunting task yet.
“It’s a different test,” he said. “Livonia was tough due to their offense but Geneva presents different problems we will have to defend. Definitely one of the top teams in Class B.”
One of the elements that the Blue Devils will have to prepare for that they have yet to be faced with this season is a quality quarterback on part of the Panthers.
“They (Geneva) got beat last week but their starting quarterback didn’t play until the third quarter,” said Briggs. “He makes a difference and his ability to run is impressive.”
When I asked him about his team’s ability to defend the pass and whether or not he has been happy with their effort up to this point, Briggs pointed to his team’s inexperience defending in the secondary.
“We still need to improve on that front, but not bad,” he said. “We haven’t been tested much this year in the pass game.”
All in all, the Blue Devils seem ready to go this week. With a chance to improve to an impressive 4-1 record, they have been clicking on all cylinders as of late and hope to carry that hot streak over into their game Friday night. The Panthers present a difficult task for Batavia, but I believe they are up to the challenge and will put forth a great effort on the field. Tune in later this week for my Game Preview and Prediction!!
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