Pace Temple’s three TDs lift Geneva over St. Charles North

Pace Temple has yet to commit to a college football program. The Geneva senior may want to use the film from his game against St. Charles North for college recruiters.

Temple led his team out to a strong start and the Vikings held on to down the North Stars 31-13 in a Upstate Eight River game between two previously unbeaten teams.

“We lost contain on the quarterback (Daniel Santacaterina) early on and then you have a D-I receiver in the back of the end zone,’’ St. Charles North coach Rob Pomazak said. “He was tough for us to contain.”

Temple set the tone for Geneva (4-0, 2-0) when Santacaterina found himself scrambling on the opening drive of the game on third down to avoid the North Stars ’pass rush. Santacaterina threw the ball toward the back of the end zone where Temple made a leaping catch over a defender for the opening score.

“It’s a great thing as a quarterback to have receivers like Pace and (Michael) Landi to throw it to when you’re in trouble,’’ Santacaterina said. “I know Pace can go get the ball away from anyone.’’

After a Geneva field goal, Temple used his skill set on the other side of the ball to pick off a Kyle Novotney pass and take it back 30 yards for a touchdown and a 17-0 lead in the first quarter. Temple finished with six receptions for 101 yards with two receiving touchdowns and three total.

“We work on scramble drills all week,’’ Temple said. “When I saw him scrambling, I just kept looking for that open patch of grass.’’

St. Charles North (3-1, 1-1) had difficulty getting its running game going. The North Stars were limited to 67 yards on the ground in the first half and found themselves facing four three-and-outs in that half.

“We emphasized limiting the ground game this week,’’ Geneva coach Rob Wicinski said. “We knew the quarterback was a good runner and they have some good running backs. The kids bought into the game plan and executed it well.’’

Nathan Didier replaced Novotney at quarterback in the second half and led the North Stars to two touchdowns. He scrambled for 32 yards on one score and completed a 15-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Mettetal.

Santacaterina threw for 258 yards with two touchdown passes and two interceptions. Landi hauled in five passes for 61 yards.

“It was a little replay of last year’s game,’’ Wicinski said. “We started off hot and fizzled a little. It’s difficult to maintain that kind of start so I’ll take it.’’