Batavia Dominates Glenbard East, Advances to Class 7A Quarterfinals

Batavia High School’s football team secured a decisive victory against Glenbard East, winning 42-21 and advancing to the Class 7A quarterfinals for the fourth consecutive year. The match took place on November 8, 2023, and showcased a powerful performance by the Bulldogs, who are now 9-2 for the season.

Junior quarterback Michael Vander Luitgaren orchestrated a balanced offensive attack, distributing the ball effectively among his teammates. By halftime, eight different players had caught passes, demonstrating the depth of Batavia’s offense. “They were just getting open, finding space and getting me those yards,” Vander Luitgaren stated. He finished the game with 263 passing yards and three touchdowns, setting the tone early for the Bulldogs.

Vander Luitgaren emphasized the importance of spreading the ball around, saying, “When I can throw to eight different guys in the first half, it changes the whole perspective of the game.” His ability to keep the defense guessing proved pivotal in Batavia’s strategy, leading to a commanding 28-0 lead at halftime.

Batavia’s head coach, Dennis Piron, praised his team’s performance, noting, “Everything was looking really good out there.” He acknowledged the resilience of Glenbard East, stating that they played “their butts off,” but felt confident about his team’s capabilities moving forward in the tournament.

In the game, senior Brett Berggren and junior Darin Ashiru were standout performers for the Bulldogs. Ashiru recorded four receptions for 42 yards and two touchdowns, while Berggren added three catches for 83 yards, with a touchdown that pushed Batavia’s lead just before halftime.

The Bulldogs also showcased their running game, with senior Henry Hahn leading the charge. He rushed for 99 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries. Senior Preston Brummel contributed significantly as well, with 51 rushing yards and a touchdown, alongside 31 receiving yards.

On the other side, Glenbard East struggled to find rhythm in the first half, unable to score for the first time all season. Coach John Walters challenged his team at halftime, urging them to play with pride and finish strong. “We just told the guys that this isn’t how we play ball,” he explained. The Rams responded by ramping up their intensity in the second half.

Senior quarterback Michael Nee led the Rams’ comeback attempt, throwing for 220 of his 313 passing yards in the second half, along with three touchdown passes. His efforts energized the team, particularly after they scored their first touchdown. “That’s kind of been our theme this year, that we’re fighters,” Nee remarked. Senior Lucas Freese and junior Malachi Miller each recorded 88 receiving yards and a touchdown, while senior Muhammad Musleh added 117 receiving yards.

Despite the loss, Glenbard East, which finishes the season at 9-2, recognized the significance of their achievements. The team graduates 28 seniors from a squad that has made strong strides in recent years. Coach Walters highlighted the program’s growth, stating, “We want to eventually get to where Batavia is at.”

As Batavia prepares for the next round, they await the winner of the matchup between No. 5 Moline and No. 21 Glenbard North. The Bulldogs will look to continue their successful run in the playoffs, bolstered by their strong team dynamics and a versatile offensive strategy.