By Bobby Narang
Two years ago, Geneva High School finished its season by playing for the biggest prize in football: The State championship.
The Geneva Vikings suffered a tough 42-28 defeat to East St. Louis at Illinois State University’s Hancock Stadium. One year later, the Vikings were unable to earn a playoff berth.
Now, with a significant group of talented players returning, the Vikings are working hard in the summer to avoid another late regular season collapse – three losses in their last four games.
“Summer has been going good,” Geneva coach Boone Thorgesen said. “We’re out there fighting and playing hard and seen improvement as we’ve gone through the summer. Our attitude has been great and work ethic has been great.”
Ten starters return on offense to spark optimism for another memorable season.
Senior wide receiver Bennett Konkey, an Illinois recruit, is the spotlight player for the Vikings. After enduring a hamstring injury that limited his effectiveness last season, Konkey won the 100 and 200 meter dash at the Class 3A State track and field championships in late May.
“Bennett really separated himself the way he practiced this summer and how hard he worked out,” Thorgesen said. “Seeing him progress and become the guy was special. There’s nothing he can’t do at the wide receiver position. We are going to ask a lot out of him. It should be a fun year.”
Senior quarterback Ben Peterson, an Eastern Michigan recruit, will benefit from having the fastest wide receiver in the state to throw the ball to this season.
“We’re pretty experienced on the offensive side of the ball,” Thorgesen said. “Ben made a big jump from last year. The jump from junior to senior year is huge. He’s taken command of our offense and knows what we want and expect from him. He’s ahead of the game and playing fast and has tremendous character.”
Senior running back Nelson Wendell is healthy after suffering a season ending injury in Week 4. Wendell’s skill set makes the offense more dynamic, Thorgesen said.
“Nelson also will play defense for us,” he said. “He’s a heck of a football player and pound for pound just a tough kid. When he got hurt last year, it was hard for us. He’s healthy, but still getting his legs under him still. It’s great to have him back. He worked really hard.”
Senior cornerback Tate Beran, a three-year starter, is accustomed to battling against elite wide receivers in games and during practices.
“Tate is a heck of a football player who is very smooth and seen it all,” Thorgesen said. “He started in the state championship game. He has so much experience. I’m looking forward to seeing what he does this year and seeing him be a leader.”
Beran said the Vikings’ defense is adjusting to some new starters, but noticed some positive signs.
“This year we have a lot of younger guys, especially at defensive back,” Beran said. “Therefore, it’s things, such as communication, technique and trust, we continue to build as a team every day.”
Beran said he concentrated on improving his strength, speed and gaining weight, while also playing football with Midwest Boom.
“Midwest Boom helped me learn about my strengths as a defensive back and learn the best techniques in coverage for myself,” Beran said. “I was able to face the best receivers from all over the country and continue to develop my game throughout the offseason.”
Beran said last season’s senior secondary players helped me understand the value of being a positive leader for the younger players.
“The most important thing is building relationships and trust with our defense, so we can play confident and fast as a group,” Beran said. “I want to make sure everyone is clear with their relationships and jobs with each coverage leading us to be able to make big plays as a defense.”