Rochelle Football Dominates Geneseo in 41-14 Season Opener

The Rochelle football team opened its season on a high note, defeating Geneseo 41-14 in a nonconference matchup held on September 1, 2023. This impressive victory comes after Rochelle faced uncertainty following the departure of a talented senior class. The team showcased its resilience, particularly in filling gaps on both the offensive and defensive lines, where it had to replace seven starters.

Hub line coach Erick Olson remarked on the performance, stating, “We looked like Rochelle football was supposed to be.” A significant factor in the win was the return of two standout running backs, Dylan Manning and Roman Villalobos, both of whom previously recorded over 1,000 rushing yards in the last season. Manning made an immediate impact, starting the game with an electrifying 89-yard kickoff return, despite being initially contained at midfield.

“I envisioned a kickoff return before the game,” Manning shared. “I’ve never had one before in high school. One thing I try to do when running is not let the first guy tackle me.” His remarkable speed and agility were on display as he rushed for 173 yards and scored two touchdowns on just 15 carries. Head coach Kyle Kissack praised Manning’s skill, describing him as “dynamic, with great vision and agility.”

Villalobos, who is also recognized for his prowess as a state-caliber wrestler, contributed significantly to the team’s offense. He added two touchdowns and accumulated 91 yards from his fullback position, further demonstrating the depth of talent on the team. The Hub’s offense remained dominant throughout the game until late in the fourth quarter when the starters were replaced, leading to their only punt of the match.

Geneseo’s first-year coach, Matt Furlong, acknowledged Rochelle’s physicality, stating, “Rochelle is what they are advertised to be with their physicality. They get off the ball well. We didn’t tackle or block good enough.” The two teams renewed their historic rivalry, with Geneseo managing to mount a scoring drive after trailing 14-0. Quarterback Jackson McAvoy executed a commendable 16-play, 68-yard drive, culminating in a 3-yard touchdown run.

Rochelle quickly responded, with Manning scoring another touchdown to extend the lead to 20-7. The team surprised Geneseo with a well-executed onside kick recovered by Jon Andrist, leading to another touchdown before halftime. By the end of the second quarter, Rochelle had established a commanding 27-7 lead.

In the third quarter, Geneseo attempted to close the gap but was thwarted by Rochelle’s defense, led by top defensive returner Brode Metgzer, who made crucial plays to halt their progress. Villalobos then showcased his abilities with a notable 34-yard run, setting up his own touchdown shortly thereafter.

Geneseo managed to score again, narrowing the deficit to 34-14 with a 33-yard touchdown pass to Kye Weinzierl. Nonetheless, Tyler Gensler sealed the victory for Rochelle with a fourth-quarter touchdown, leaving the final score at 41-14.

Defensively, Rochelle held Geneseo to just 155 net yards, averaging only 2.9 yards per play. Mark Green, a defensive back for the Hubs, led all players with 10 tackles. Despite some setbacks, including eight penalties for 55 yards, Rochelle’s performance was a strong start to the season. Coach Kissack expressed his satisfaction, stating, “It was a great start. We had a lot of holes to fill, and it was a challenge for our kids to prove that they could.”