Sept. 19--In the heat of battle, Geneva quarterback Sean Chambers kept his cool.
The senior's unflappable demeanor was the difference on the Vikings' last-minute, game-winning touchdown drive in Saturday's 42-41 home win against St. Charles North.
"You just have to keep playing the game," said Chambers, whose 15-yard pass to Ryan Skibinski with 29 seconds left put the Vikings on top. "This is probably the most fun I've ever had in my life, and I'm excited to see how the rest of the season turns out."
The back-and-forth game featured 915 yards of offense and many clutch performances, none of which had more of an impact than Geneva reserve safety Griffin Bellano's blocked extra-point on the preceding drive. It came after Eric Lins' 80-yard touchdown scamper had put the North Stars (3-1, 0-1) ahead 41-35.
"We kept getting closer and closer throughout the game, and I ended up getting through on the last one," Bellano said. "When it happened, I knew it would help out somehow, but didn't know how much."
Besides Chambers and workhorse running back Justin Taormina, the Vikings also benefited from a 57-yard first-quarter fumble recovery touchdown by defensive tackle Nicholas Schmook and interceptions from Bellano and Alec Keating.
Schmook's score put Geneva (4-0, 2-0) ahead 14-0, but the North Stars' two quick touchdowns forged a 14-14 tie. The game's next six touchdowns alternated between Geneva's scores and St. Charles North's equalizers.
Then came Lins' go-ahead score for the North Stars, which came two plays after Geneva missed a 31-yard field goal attempt.
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
Player of the game: Sean Chambers, Geneva, 17-for-32, 295 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs.
Key performers: Geneva -- Justin Taormina, 32 carries, 143 yards, TD; Jack Wassel, 7 receptions, 164 yards, 2 TDs; Griffin Bellano, INT, blocked PAT. St. Charles North -- Zach Mettetal, 18-for-27, 281 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs; Eric Lins, 8 carries, 147 yards, 2 TDs; Brendan Joyce, 2 INTs.
