Geneva overpowers Larkin in UEC River
By Bill Kindt For Sun-Times Media September 14, 2012 10:46PM
Updated: September 15, 2012 1:18AM
There is nothing a running back likes more than to hear his number called.
Bobby Hess had his dialed up early and often Friday night at Geneva’s Burgess Field.
Hess carried the ball 21 times for 245 yards and five touchdowns in the first half alone as Geneva routed visiting Larkin 56-23 in Upstate Eight River play.
“The whole line opened up huge holes tonight,” Hess said.
He scored on runs of 54, 4, 8, 80 and 3 yards behind solid line blocking from tackles Connor Chapman and Jon Anderson, guards Jordan Hunter and Paul Douds and center Kyle McNeil.
Once the line gave him an alley, Hess used his speed to outrun the Royals (2-2, 1-1).
“I said he (Hess) would be the fastest kid on the field,” Larkin coach Mike Scianna said. “You give him the second level and he’s going to go and he did.”
Geneva (1-3, 1-1) knew all week long that it would be running the football since sophomore quarterback Daniel Santacaterina is sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Hess was more than ready.
“Oh yeah, that was real fun tonight, getting the ball all the time,” Hess said. “I had a good time tonight.
Geneva coach Rob Wicinski did bring up freshman quarterback Nick Derr from the sophomore team and Derr threw a pair of touchdowns. And fullback Joe Boenzi (84 yards rushing) scored on a 53-yard run.
Hess mostly rested the second half. He carried only once for five yards and finished with 250 yards rushing.
“I felt a lot of stress on this game,” Wicinski said. “I don’t ever feel a ‘must win’ but if there’s ever such a term like that, this is about as close as it comes.”
Larkin did get a fine effort out of running back Mo Jackson. He carried 15 times for 148 yards and TD runs of 55 and 3 yards.
