WHEATON, IL – The Batavia Bulldogs, led by a dominant offensive performance, secured a decisive victory over the Wheaton Warrenville South Tigers on Friday night at Wheaton Warrenville South High School. In a DuKane Conference showdown. Batavia’s offensive firepower proved too much, resulting in a final score of 45-12 in favor of the visiting Bulldogs.

Batavia set the tone early in the first quarter, capitalizing on momentum after a timely timeout at the 6:32 mark. Junior QB Michael Vander Luitgaren (#8) connected with senior wide receiver Brett Berggren (#11) for the first touchdown of the game. Senior kicker Caleb Peters (#17) successfully converted the extra point. Berggren found the end zone again with seconds left in the first quarter, quickly putting Batavia up 14-0 after another successful kick from Peters.

The Tigers fought back in the second quarter when WWS senior Owen Yorke (#3) crossed the goal line for the home team’s first score. The subsequent extra point was blocked, leaving the score at 6-14. Batavia managed to add to their lead just before the half, with Peters knocking through a field goal with 1:05 remaining, pushing the lead to 17-6. WWS missed a field goal attempt, sending the teams into the break with Batavia holding an 11-point advantage.

Batavia wasted no time extending their lead in the third quarter. Batavia’s #8 Vander Luitgaren scored a touchdown, followed by Peters’ extra point, moving the scoreboard to 6-24. Later in the quarter, junior running back Charlie Rosengren (#7) broke through for another Batavia touchdown. Peters’ reliable foot added the extra point, making the score 31-6 as the third quarter concluded.

The Tigers showed fight early in the final quarter. WWS’s Owen Yorke (#3) scored his second touchdown of the night, followed by a two-point conversion attempt, bringing the score to 12-31. However, Batavia quickly slammed the door shut on any potential WWS comeback.

Berggren (#11) notched his third touchdown of the game, with Peters converting the extra point for a 12-38 lead. Batavia rounded out the scoring with a late touchdown by Darin Ashiru (#0). Peters’ final extra point sealed the dominant 45-12 victory for the Bulldogs.

Despite the chilly weather that settled in toward the end of the night, the Wheaton Warrenville South student section remained spirited and vocal, providing enthusiastic support for the Tigers throughout the contest. Ultimately, Batavia’s strong execution on both sides of the ball proved the difference as they improved their conference standing.