by Livvi Anderson
The foundation of Geneseo’s football tradition was laid by legendary coach Bob Reade. Starting his coaching journey in the 1960s, Reade transformed the program into a 
state powerhouse, guiding the Maple Leafs to three consecutive IHSA state championships in the late 1970’s. Reade’s coaching extended far beyond the field—he believed in building men of character, instilling values of responsibility, resilience, and teamwork in each of his players. Under his leadership, the Maple Leafs secured their reputation as a winning program, amassing a record of 146-21-4.
When Reade retired, the tradition didn’t end; it evolved under the guidance of his successors, including Larry Johnsen Jr.
A Geneseo native, Johnsen Jr. grew up in the Maple Leafs’ program, with his father, Larry Johnsen Sr. serving as the head coach from 1979 through 1986. The elder Johnsen’s tenure included the school’s fourth state championship in 1982 after finishing second in 1981. Reflecting on his upbringing, Johnsen Jr. shared, “I grew up in the system. My dad helped out Coach Reade as a coach, and later became a head coach himself. It’s really the only thing I knew—I saw the success Geneseo had and wanted to follow that blueprint.”
Johnsen Jr. carried not only Reade’s legacy, but also the values instilled by his father, creating a close-knit community culture where players learned not just football skills, but life skills. Speaking about the lessons he drew from his father, Johnsen said, “My dad’s approach was to serve others, to help develop young people, and to be a role model. I try to do the same. Setting an example of how to do things and caring deeply for my players.” Under Johnsen Jr., the team 
continued its winning ways, achieving an impressive 145-67 record during his 20-year tenure while adding two more second-place trophies (2009, 2013) to the school trophy case.
Nothing says Geneseo football like the ringing of the Victory Bell. After each home win, players and coaches gather to ring this cherished symbol, celebrating their hard-fought success and the unity it brings to the town. Johnsen explained its origins, “They were going to tear down a school in town, and they saved the bell. It became our Victory Bell… a symbol of success. After every win, the players rush to it, and everyone gets a chance to ring it. It’s a nice way to celebrate.” The Victory Bell has become a community emblem, connecting the players' achievements to a shared sense of pride and tradition that resonates with everyone involved, from fans in the stands to alumni around the country.
Supporting Geneseo’s success from the ground up is the town’s $1 Pop Warner league, a youth football program that encourages young community members to try to the sport. Explaining this unique initiative, Johnsen said, “The program costs only $1 per child because the community makes it possible… It’s something I’ve never seen anywhere else.” He continued to joke that these days the fee is “basically a down payment on a mouthguard”. By offering this low-cost entry into the sport, Geneseo ensures that football is more than just a high school activity; it’s a lifelong community commitment. Young athletes learn fundamental skills and develop an appreciation for the game early on, creating a pipeline into the high school team. This youth program has fostered a deep-seated passion for football throughout the community, laying the groundwork for future Maple Leafs players who are proud to represent their town.
From 1962 to 2023, Geneseo High School football has had just six different head coaches and only missed the IHSA playoff field six times as well. Matt Furlong became the seventh head coach in program history in 2024 and the latest to carry on the tradition of The Green Machine. So far so good, as the program embarked on its 51st winning season and advanced to the second round of the playoffs.