Batavia’s Michael Vander Luitgaren took some lessons from the season opener and went to work.
The junior quarterback wasted little time putting his adjustments — such as holding onto the ball too long at certain times — to good use Friday night. But afterward, he deflected any praise.
“I think it was really good growth from me, but our O-line played great,” Vander Luitgaren said. “I had a great pocket on all the plays. We ran the ball well. We controlled the offense.
“Every time I threw, I had a pocket.”
Whether it was the play of the offensive line, the running game, personal growth or getting injured players back into the fold, the Bulldogs rolled to a 35-3 nonconference win at South Elgin.
Vander Luitgaren completed 12 of 21 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns for Batavia (1-1). Preston Brummell ran for 80 yards and a TD, while Henry Hahn added 57 yards and two TDs.
Plainfield North transfer Darin Ashiru, who was knocked out of last week’s game against Glenbard West on the first play with an injury, returned in grand fashion. He finished with three catches for 97 yards, including a 66-yard TD. Brennon Zeng also had a 26-yard TD catch.
Darrion Thurman led South Elgin (0-2) with 83 yards on 15 carries. Nick Dodge kicked a 32-yard field goal.
While acknowledging Vander Luitgaren’s growth from Week 1, Batavia coach Dennis Piron pointed out having nearly a full complement of targets, and time to practice with them, as contributing factors.
“Really what happened last week with him was, imagine you’ve got your whole offensive game plan in and now we remove all of your offensive players,” Piron said. “The things we practiced, we could run. Things felt different. We felt pretty good.
“We do have a long way to go, but we’re getting better.”
The return of the speedy Ashiru paid immediate dividends. He caught a pass from Vander Luitgaren in the second quarter, split the defenders and sprinted for a 66-yard TD.
His 19-yard catch in the second half came between two defenders, with Vander Luitgaren throwing a perfect ball for a first down. Ashiru didn’t practice in full until Thursday but showed he was ready.
“He’s a great player,” Vander Luitgaren said. “He has all the talent in the world, probably one of the most talented players I’ve ever been around. He understands it. We’re on the same wavelength.
“If I get the ball in his hands, he’s going to make something special happen. My job is easy. I just have to get it to him and he’ll do everything else.”
South Elgin coach Pat Pistorio came away impressed with Vander Luitgaren, particularly how he worked around Larry Smith III, the Storm’s top cornerback.
“There were a couple deep throws against Larry where Larry was playing great defense,” Pistorio said. “There’s no defense for a perfect ball. He was really placing the ball well.
“He has great arm talent. He was able to make us pay in some scenarios there.”
South Elgin only trailed 7-3 at one point, but two stalled drives and three scoring drives by Batavia before the end of the first half blew the game open.
“I’m really proud of our effort,” Pistorio said. “Our guys came out ready to play. Batavia, they’re a great ball club. They put you in some tough down and distances. Their defense is really strong.”
Close to getting to full strength, Batavia will pose a problem for the DuKane Conference. Vander Luitgaren understands the potential of the group he’s working with and wants to take advantage.
“I feel like we keep getting more pieces to work with,” Vander Luitgaren said. “I think the more the merrier. We still have a long ways to go, but once we hit that goal, we’re going to be really good.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.