On Friday, Sept. 10, the Wheaton Warrenville South Tigers beat the Geneva Vikings 35-3 in their first DuKane conference game on Red Grange Field.  

In the first two minutes of the game, junior running back Jake Arthurs rushed a 4-yard touchdown for the Tigers. In the second quarter, quarterback Noah Henkel completed a pass to Matt Brennan for another 4-yard touchdown to make it 14-0. Just before halftime, Relly Waldoch kicked a 38-yard field goal to give the Vikings three points.

Wheaton Warrenville South dominated the second half. Arthurs rushed 7-yards to score his second touchdown of the game. The next play, Joe Ives intercepted Geneva quarterback Alex Williams.

As the Tigers’ defense prevailed, Ives intercepted Williams again and returned it for a 48-yard touchdown to raise the score 28-3. In the fourth quarter, quarterback Noah Henkel snuck into the endzone to score the last touchdown of the game. Wheaton Warrenville South secured another win in the books to add to their streak.

On Sept. 13, Ives was awarded the Defensive Player of the Week of the DuKane Conference. He had six tackles, two interceptions and downed a punt at the 1-yard line. “I’m not only confident in myself, but I’m also confident in our defense. We have such good chemistry and I couldn’t do it without my teammates,” said Ives.

With a record of 2-7 for the past three years, the Tigers’ are focusing on the basic fundamentals of the game.

“We have made so many strives as a team. They’re such a good group of guys,” said assistant coach James Vivian. “We are really emphasizing on senior leadership this year. We have a better attitude and everyone wants a good run this season. Hopefully the leadership will carry over next year and the numbers will continue to increase.”

Ranked third in conference behind St. Charles East and reigning state champions Batavia High School, the Tigers’ aim to keep their streak going and make it to playoffs this year.