Adkins, Streamwood hoping to knock off unbeaten Geneva

Streamwood (1-1, 0-0) at Geneva (2-0, 0-0)

Upstate Eight River

Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Last week: Geneva 35, Richards 20; Streamwood 28, Dundee-Crown 14

Last year: Geneva 46, Streamwood 12

Outlook: Streamwood turned things around in Week 2 after a disappointing 34-0 loss to Hoffman Estates in the season opener.

The coaching staff asked the players if their Week 1 effort matched the preseason goals they set for themselves. After a long look in the mirror, the Sabres bounced back with an inspired effort against Dundee-Crown.

Brian "Nino" Adkins led the way with an 85-yard kickoff return, a 33-yard touchdown reception and a 65-yard interception return for a score that vaulted Streamwood to a 28-14 victory.

"We ask Nino to do a lot on offense, defense and returning kicks on special teams," Streamwood coach Don Guindon said. "He gave us the best outcome at each of those positions, which is what we're looking for in our seniors."

Geneva coach Rob Wicinski said of Adkins: "He's a stud. We're definitely aware of him. We gave up an 80-90-yard kickoff return against Richards last week, so needless to say we've had some personnel talks."

The Sabres uncovered depth last week when junior Malcolm Davis-Wilder filled in for Jelyn Hill at running back and rushed 23 times for 97 yards. That may allow Guindon and staff to use Hill elsewhere on offense or play him only on defense when he returns to action this week.

The Sabres played well in the trenches against Dundee-Crown, but they'll get a tougher test against Geneva, which is led by 6-foot-8, 295-pound, two-way lineman Loudon Vollbrecht, who has an offer from Illinois.

The big senior leads a thus-far effective offensive line that entered the season as a question mark due to its inexperience.

"I knew we had some skill guys," Wicinski said. "My concern was could I get an offensive line going. We're not near where we need to be, but they're a bit further along at this point than I expected, which is kind of exciting."

Next week: Geneva at St. Charles North; Larkin at Streamwood