Consistency has become the standard for Don Shymske and the Geneva Football team.
Now entering his fifth season at the helm, Shymske has transformed Geneva into one of the Chagrin Valley Conference‘s perennial contenders. After finishing 9-3 in 2025 and earning another postseason berth, the Eagles return with high expectations despite replacing several key contributors.
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While Geneva welcomes back four starters on both offense and defense, the identity of this year’s team remains unchanged: win the battle at the line of scrimmage.
“Our strength is on the offensive and defensive lines,” Shymske said. “Several of those guys had a great offseason in the weight room, and we return a couple key players on the line that saw a lot of action the past few years.”
With a physical Wing-T offense and an aggressive 4-4/4-2-5 defensive scheme, Geneva expects its experienced front to once again set the tone.
Veteran Leaders Set the Foundation
The Eagles’ success begins with a battle-tested core.
Jacob Clemens and Braden Stark anchor both the offensive and defensive lines, bringing valuable experience and toughness to the trenches. Owen Davis returns as a versatile two-way contributor at halfback and outside linebacker, while Brody Hamm provides a physical presence at fullback and inside linebacker.
Behind center, Nate Hutchens returns to direct the Wing-T offense while also contributing in the defensive secondary.
Together, that group gives Geneva experienced leadership on both sides of the football and provides the foundation for another winning season.
New Faces Must Fill Key Roles
The biggest challenge facing the Eagles isn’t up front—it’s replacing the production lost at the skill positions.
Geneva believes that challenge can be answered by an emerging group of newcomers. Cooper Dubsky, Gavin Queen, and John Dodick are expected to compete for meaningful roles and give the Eagles additional playmaking ability as the season progresses.
If those players develop quickly, Geneva’s offense has the potential to become increasingly dangerous as the year unfolds.
Success Will Depend on Health and Leadership
For Shymske, the formula for another successful season is straightforward.
“Luck. Have to stay healthy. New starters must step up in leading roles.”
Those two factors could determine whether Geneva simply reaches the postseason again or challenges for another conference championship.
With experienced linemen, a returning quarterback, and a program that has developed a winning culture under Shymske, the Eagles have every reason to believe they’ll once again be among the CVC’s top contenders.
If the new playmakers emerge and the Eagles stay healthy, Geneva has the pieces to make another deep run this fall.
