Batavia, IL – The Batavia Bulldogs (now 5-2 overall, 4-1 DuKane Conference) relied on key defensive stops and a strong passing attack to defeat the Wheaton North Falcons (now 2-5 overall, 1-4 DuKane Conference) with a final score of 28-7 at Bulldog Stadium. The contest was dedicated to Military Appreciation Night, and the Batavia High School Marching Band performed their “Desperado – a Marching Western” show at halftime.

The contest was tight through the first half before the Bulldogs’ high-powered offense separated the score in the final two quarters.

First Quarter: The game started as a defensive stalemate, with neither team getting on the scoreboard. The period ended 0-0.

Second Quarter: Both teams broke the deadlock in the second quarter. The Falcons successfully cut Batavia’s lead in half just before the break, resulting in a 14-7 halftime score in favor of Batavia.

Third Quarter: Batavia seized control immediately after halftime, adding 14 points while completely shutting down the Falcons’ attack. The Bulldogs’ lead expanded to 21-7.

Fourth Quarter: The Bulldogs added another seven points in the final frame to finalize the score at 28-7. Batavia outscored Wheaton North 21-0 in the second half.

The Bulldogs’ season-long strength in the passing game translated directly to the win: QB Michael Vander Luitgaren (Jr, #8), who entered the game with 1,296 passing yards and 14 touchdowns on the season, was responsible for the team’s first three scores. Vander Luitgaren connected with WR Brett Berggren (Sr, #11) for the first two touchdowns of the game. He later threw a third-quarter touchdown pass to Brennon Zeng (#14). The final score of the night was recorded on a running play by Charles Rosegren, supported by the season production of running backs P. Brummel (#36) and H. Hahn (#28).

The Falcons’ sole touchdown was a pass from QB Burke Neibch (#10) to Drew Mazeska (#13).

The Batavia Bulldogs’ 28-7 victory was not just a successful Military Appreciation Night, but a critical win with significant implications for the DuKane Conference standings.

The Bulldogs, who were tied for first place in the conference entering the night, maintained their position alongside Wheaton-Warrenville South (WWS) and St. Charles North (SCN). However, the standings tightened dramatically after St. Charles North suffered its first loss of the season (33-7) to Wheaton Warrenville South.

The results from Friday night’s action leave the top of the DuKane Conference in a three-way tie.