The Geneva High School varsity football team will host Cary-Grove (Cary, IL) for a home playoff game today at 1 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets for Class 6A.
What: Illinois High School Football
Who: Geneva (IL) vs Cary-Grove (IL)
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 6A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
Cary-Grove vs. Geneva: A Closer Look at Two Illinois Powerhouses
As the 2024-2025 high school football season progresses, two teams in Illinois have proven to be dominant forces: Cary-Grove and Geneva. Both teams have showcased impressive performances, with stellar records and exceptional individual performances. With similar overall records and only slight differences in their playstyles, the matchup between these two is always a highly anticipated event. Let’s dive deeper into the teams, their statistics, and what sets them apart.
Team Overview
Cary-Grove (24-25) enters the season with a perfect record of 12-0, dominating their conference with a 9-0 league record. On the other hand, Geneva (24-25) has posted an impressive 12-1 record, with a 6-1 conference record. Both teams have shown they can win in different conditions, boasting strong home and away performances. Cary-Grove has been particularly flawless in conference games, finishing with a perfect 9-0 record, while Geneva’s lone loss came against a tough conference opponent.
Offensive and Defensive Comparisons
When comparing the teams’ offensive and defensive statistics, both show a strong commitment to both running and passing the ball effectively.
Cary-Grove is well-balanced on offense, with an average of 124.8 rushing yards per game and an impressive 244.2 passing yards per game. They also showcase strong receiving yards, averaging 243.8 yards per game. Their total offensive production is impressive, averaging 368.9 total yards per game. Defensively, Cary-Grove holds opponents to an average of just 136 points on the season, with 55.3 tackles per game and 1.1 sacks per game. The team’s 42.2 points per game is a testament to their offensive firepower.
In contrast, Geneva excels on offense with a slightly higher scoring average of 43.6 points per game. Their passing yards per game are similar to Cary-Grove’s, with 241.3 yards. Geneva’s rushing attack contributes 124.8 yards per game, a solid ground game to complement their air attack. They generate 368.9 total yards per game, slightly matching Cary-Grove’s offensive output. Defensively, Geneva allows 205 points on the season but shows strength with 55.3 tackles per game, a stat they share with Cary-Grove. Their sacks per game are notably lower at 0.2.
Key Players to Watch
Both teams feature standout individual players who drive their respective offenses. For Cary-Grove, Michael Rumoro leads the rushing game, averaging 78.0 yards per game, while Anthony Chahino leads the passing game with 241.3 yards per game. Talyn Taylor is the team’s top receiver, racking up 108.5 yards per game. On defense, Sean Lane has been a standout with 6.1 tackles per game, and Troy Velez is the top sack producer, recording 0.5 sacks per game.
Geneva counters with its own stars. #20 Michael Rumoro is a critical part of their offense, while #12 Anthony Chahino is a dual threat at quarterback. Geneva’s defensive standout, #7 Sean Lane has delivered consistent tackles.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Both teams have faced off against common opponents, but Cary-Grove has the edge with a 1-0 record in their shared matchups. Both teams have defeated Central, with Cary-Grove winning 27-3, while Geneva triumphed 42-28 in their encounter with the same team. Despite Cary-Grove’s perfect record, Geneva remains a formidable opponent, with their only loss being to another powerhouse team.
Playoff Prospects
As both teams prepare for the playoff push, Cary-Grove holds an undefeated record, while Geneva will look to rebound from its single loss. With strong leadership, elite individual performances, and solid team dynamics, these two teams are likely to remain contenders in Illinois high school football.
Conclusion
Cary-Grove and Geneva both represent the best of Illinois high school football, with elite records, powerful offenses, and solid defensive units. The difference between them is slim, but each team’s combination of talented individuals and cohesive team play makes for an exciting and unpredictable matchup. Regardless of who emerges victorious in the future, both teams have proven their excellence and will be teams to watch as the season progresses.
