Notre Dame has its way with Geneva

Geneva discovered first hand in the opening quarter of its football season why Ty Gavin is so highly regarded among uncommitted Chicagoland seniors.

The Niles Notre Dame two-way starter scored on both ends as part of a three-score first-quarter blitz that paved the way for the Dons' 45-7 nonconference victory in the teams' season opener Friday night in Geneva.

The first four possessions for the Geneva offense were truly nightmarish.

The Vikings failed on both fourth-and-short and a fake punt - both in their own ends - on their odd series of drives, and Gavin returned the first of two Notre Dame interceptions on the even possessions for a 45-yard touchdown.

Gavin also had short scoring runs on the Dons' first two offensive possessions as Geneva never recovered after the senior tailback and safety personally outscored his opposition 18-0 in the first quarter.

Anthony Sayles' 25-yard keeper on fourth-and-eight paved the way for the first Notre Dame touchdown.

"That was the play of the game," Gavin said of Sayles' long scramble. "We scored on the next play."

Geneva certainly defied conventional wisdom by keeping its offense on the field on fourth-down to start the game.

"The odds are not a gamble," Geneva coach Rob Wicinski said. "We've researched this. We (would have punted from) inside our 20. Most of the time - 80 percent - the other team scores. I haven't punted in years. I'm prepared to take the consequences."

Alex Williams' dual role for Geneva as the quarterback and punter placed him in a unique position to deflect potential criticism.

"I get to choose wether I punt it or kick it," Williams said of the Vikings' fake at their own 39. "I feel like the plays were called right. We need to execute them."

One of the few Geneva bright spots occurred late in the opening half.

Trailing 24-0, Geneva began its lone scoring drive at the Dons' 18.

Taking advantage of an out-of-position safety and a cornerback who appeared a bit too greedy, Williams hit Owen Pawelko with a strike inside the Dons' side of midfield.

Pawelko waltzed untouched to complete the 78-yard Geneva touchdown.

"I just threw it over the top (of the Dons' defense) and knew Owen Pawelko would be there," Williams said. "He runs so fast."

But the Vikings were unfortunately deflated in a major fashion when Sayles raced 90 yards on the ensuing possession to give Notre Dame a 31-7 cushion at the half.

Niles' quick strike, big-play capability produced the only points after the break.

"We're raw in a lot of key spots," Wicinski said. "We need seasoning. We got seasoned tonight."