The Lake Forest (IL) varsity football team will play a home non-conference game against Geneva (IL) on Saturday, November 16, at 1 p.m.

What: Illinois High School Football
Who: Lake Forest (IL) vs Geneva (IL)
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Geneva vs. Lake Forest: A Football Showdown on the Horizon

As the 2024 high school football season reaches its peak, the anticipation builds for an exciting matchup between Geneva (IL) and Lake Forest (IL). Both teams have had remarkable seasons, and with their playoff-bound status, fans can expect an intense and closely contested game. While the exact date remains to be announced, here’s a look at the teams, their records, stats, and what to expect from this highly anticipated clash.

Season Records & Rankings

• Geneva (10-1): The Geneva Vikings have put together an outstanding 2024 campaign. With a 6-1 conference record and a 4-0 record away from home, they’ve proven themselves to be one of the top teams in the state. Their overall performance stands at an impressive .909 win percentage, having outscored their opponents 469 to 177. Geneva is strong on both sides of the ball, with a potent offense and a stout defense that has led them to dominate in nearly every game.
• Lake Forest (9-2): Lake Forest has also had a strong season with a 9-2 overall record. Their conference record is 5-2, and they boast a solid 3-1 away record. While their win percentage (.818) is slightly lower than Geneva’s, their balanced approach with 326 points scored and 169 points allowed reflects their competitive nature. Lake Forest has proven they can win both at home and away, and their dominant performance in neutral-site games (1-0) is also notable.

Key Team Statistics

Geneva and Lake Forest each bring unique strengths to the field. Here’s how they compare in several key team categories:

• Offensive Production: Geneva leads the way in total yards per game, averaging a substantial 370.8 yards. Their high-powered offense is powered by standout performances from Michael Rumoro (79.9 rushing yards per game), Anthony Chahino (243.6 passing yards per game), and Talyn Taylor (111.4 receiving yards per game). They put up an impressive 41.5 points per game. In contrast, Lake Forest averages 26.6 total yards per game, with their own standout players including Danny Van Camp (240 passing yards per game) and Charlie Markee (149 receiving yards per game).
• Defensive Strength: Geneva’s defense is particularly formidable, with 55.9 tackles per game, averaging 1.2 sacks per game. Lake Forest has had strong defensive performances as well, with 2.1 tackles per game and 0.1 sacks per game, but Geneva’s defensive stats are noticeably stronger.
• Scoring Averages: Geneva holds a clear edge in scoring averages, posting 42.6 points per game, with their strongest quarter being the first (16.2 points). Lake Forest, by contrast, averages 29.6 points per game, with their offense typically heating up during the second quarter (11.8 points). Geneva’s ability to score across all four quarters and close out games strongly will be a challenge for Lake Forest.

Key Players to Watch

• Geneva: The Vikings’ offense runs through Michael Rumoro, who leads the team with 79.9 rushing yards per game, and Anthony Chahino, who excels at passing with an average of 243.6 yards per game. Talyn Taylor is another key player to watch, contributing heavily as a receiver with 111.4 yards per game.
• Lake Forest: Danny Van Camp will be critical to Lake Forest’s chances, averaging 240 passing yards per game. Charlie Markee has been a standout receiver, and his ability to make big plays will be a deciding factor in this matchup. Defensively, Lake Forest will look to Nick Angelos to create pressure, especially with his sack numbers.

Record Breakdown & Head-to-Head Comparison

Both teams have had impressive in-state performances, with Geneva posting a 10-1 record and Lake Forest securing a solid 9-2 mark. The key difference is Geneva’s perfect 4-0 away record, compared to Lake Forest’s 3-1 mark at home. As the game is set to be held in Lake Forest, both teams will need to adjust their strategies accordingly.

Geneva holds the edge in overall team statistics, particularly in offensive and defensive metrics. Their ability to score at will and control the game with a strong defense makes them the favorites in this matchup. However, Lake Forest’s resilience, particularly at home, could pose a significant challenge to Geneva’s hopes of advancing further in the playoffs.

What to Expect

This matchup promises to be a thrilling contest between two highly competitive teams. Geneva’s high-scoring offense, led by a powerful rushing attack and a dynamic passing game, will likely be tested by Lake Forest’s strong defensive game plan. However, Lake Forest’s own offensive firepower and home-field advantage make them a formidable opponent.

With the game date still to be determined, fans from both schools will be eagerly awaiting the clash. Regardless of when it takes place, expect a hard-fought, exciting playoff game that could go down to the wire.