On September 29, Burgess Field will bear witness to the clash of titans as the Batavia Bulldogs and the Geneva Vikings renew their longstanding rivalry in the 20th season of the Great American Rivalry Series. This battle between neighboring towns has become a storied tradition in Illinois, capturing the hearts of fans and players alike.

With a rich history dating back over a century, the Batavia vs. Geneva matchup has seen the Vikings hold a slight edge in the all-time series, leading 51-48-6. However, the Bulldogs made a statement in their last meeting, dominating the game from the opening kickoff and emerging victorious with a convincing 33-7 win. Geneva will undoubtedly be fueled by the memory of that defeat, eager to reclaim their dominance on the field.

Rick Ford, founder and CEO of the Great American Rivalry Series, emphasized the significance of this rivalry, stating, “The Batavia vs. Geneva game is one of Illinois’ most historic and fiercely contested rivalries. As we celebrate the 20th season of the Great American Rivalry Series, this game exemplifies the passion, tradition, and unforgettable moments that make high school football rivalries so special.”

One of the highlights of this matchup is the sheer intensity it brings year after year. With over 105 meetings, this rivalry has stood the test of time, drawing a passionate crowd of 6,000 fans to Burgess Field every season. The atmosphere is sure to be electric, with the roar of the crowd serving as an extra boost of adrenaline for both teams.

As the Bulldogs and the Vikings take the field, the anticipation reaches its peak. Who will prevail in this historic clash? Will Geneva maintain their edge in the series, or will Batavia continue their recent dominance? On this Friday night, the answers will unfold, and the legacy of this remarkable rivalry will be etched in the minds of all who bear witness. 

We Know Friday Nights.

 

MVP

Ryan Boe
Batavia

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Charlie Winterhalter

Geneva

Charlie Winterhalter is the epitome of a student athlete. His commitment, dedication, and work ethic with his academics and athletics have been on full display for four years at Geneva High School while being a multi-sport athlete. He is a class act in the classroom, but more importantly as he serves the community and school with service selflessness. Thank you, Charlie, for representing Geneva High School in such a positive way.
Calahan Rojas

Batavia

Calahan has ranked #1 in his class with a perfect GPA, has taken 17 AP or Honors courses at Batavia High School and achieved a perfect score on his ACT test. As an established defensive linebacker on the varsity squad, Calahan is an invaluable teammate. After graduating, He is interested in Notre Dame, Illinois & Wisconsin for higher education.

GAME SUMMARY

In a closely contested 105th meeting between Batavia and Geneva, Batavia managed to maintain their dominance, securing a hard-fought 21-18 victory. Despite an early lead by Geneva, Batavia's #21 Ryan Boe showcased his versatility with both rushing and passing touchdowns. Geneva fought valiantly in the second half, but Batavia's defense held strong, sealing their 14th consecutive year of victory in this enduring rivalry.