Batavia Walks Off with OT Win Over Geneva in Thrilling Rivalry Clash

BREAKING: In a nail-biting finish, the Batavia Bulldogs clinched a dramatic 24-21 victory over the Geneva Vikings in overtime during the 107th rivalry game on October 14, 2023. Senior kicker Caleb Peters delivered the game-winning field goal, sealing the deal with a clutch 28-yard kick after a brief delay of game penalty.

Peters expressed his confidence, stating, “I knew how much work I put in. This is what I trained for.” His decisive kick marked just the second time in the rivalry’s history that the game ended in overtime, the last being a four-overtime thriller in 2003.

Batavia coach Dennis Piron praised his team’s resilience, saying, “One week we get beat on the last play of the game, and then the next week you win on it.” The Bulldogs, now 4-2 overall and 3-1 in DuKane7:03 remained in regulation, when quarterback Michael Vander Luitgaren scored on a two-yard touchdown run.

Vander Luitgaren completed the game with an impressive 19-of-29 passing for 249 yards, including touchdowns to junior wideout Darin Ashiru and running back Charlie Rosengren. “It feels good to win,” Vander Luitgaren reflected, recalling the previous losses in the rivalry during his freshman and sophomore years.

Geneva, now 3-3 overall and 2-2 in the conference, had its chances but failed to capitalize in overtime. Coach Boone Thorgesen expressed pride in his team’s performance despite the loss, stating, “What a great compliment it is to be called a tough, hard-nosed football team. We’ll look at this and learn from it.”

Quarterback Ben Peterson led Geneva with 336 yards passing and two touchdowns, showcasing the team’s competitive spirit. Junior receiver Bennett Konkey was a standout performer, racking up 159 yards and a touchdown.

As Batavia celebrates this hard-fought victory, all eyes will be on the next matchup as both teams prepare for the upcoming challenges in the season. This rivalry continues to prove why it captivates fans year after year.