Batavia Edges Geneva with Walk-Off Field Goal in Overtime Thriller

In a gripping overtime showdown, the **Batavia Bulldogs** secured a thrilling 24-21 victory over the **Geneva Vikings** on March 15, 2024. The decisive moment came when senior kicker **Caleb Peters** successfully converted a 28-yard field goal after a delay of game penalty, sealing the game and marking the 107th meeting between the two rivals.

Peters, who had prepared for this moment throughout the season, demonstrated remarkable composure. “Obviously, I felt a little more pressure than an average PAT,” he said. “But it didn’t really faze me. I knew how much work I put in. This is what I trained for.” His field goal capped off a tense battle that showcased the competitive spirit of both teams.

Historic Rivalry and Game Dynamics

This matchup was significant as it was only the second time in their long-standing rivalry that the game was decided in overtime, the last being in 2003 when Batavia also emerged victorious. Batavia’s head coach, **Dennis Piron**, reflected on the intensity of the rivalry, stating, “One week we get beat on the last play of the game, and then the next week you win on it. Peters kicked the hell out of it, and we were all good.”

Batavia (4-2 overall, 3-1 DuKane Conference) did not take the lead until 7:03 remained in regulation. **Michael Vander Luitgaren**, Batavia’s quarterback, executed a two-yard touchdown on a quarterback draw, bringing the score to 21-14. “When we were in the red zone, I just told [offensive coordinator Sean] Anderson to give me the ball to punch it in,” said Vander Luitgaren, who finished the game completing 19 of 29 passes for 249 yards, with touchdowns to junior wide receiver **Darin Ashiru** and junior running back **Charlie Rosengren**.

After facing defeat against Geneva in their freshman and sophomore years, Vander Luitgaren expressed relief at finally winning in this rivalry. “It feels good to win. It was a hard-fought game, and it was a battle the entire way,” he noted.

Geneva’s Resilience and Performance

The Geneva Vikings (3-3 overall, 2-2 DuKane Conference) showed resilience throughout the game, although they were unable to capitalize on their initial overtime possession. Head coach **Boone Thorgesen** praised his team’s effort, stating, “What a great compliment it is to be called a tough, hard-nosed football team. It didn’t go our way, but I’m proud of our kids for fighting through the adversity we’ve had this year.”

Geneva’s quarterback, **Ben Peterson**, completed 14 of 24 passes for 336 yards, contributing significantly with two touchdown passes and a rushing score that tied the game at 21-21 with 4:42 remaining in the fourth quarter. His standout performance included impressive contributions from junior receivers **Bennett Konkey**, who had seven receptions for 159 yards and a touchdown, and **Luke Ignoffo**, with five receptions for 100 yards.

Thorgesen acknowledged Peterson’s growth over the season, saying, “He stood in there and took a lot of hits. He’s been getting better and better for us this season. We’re just excited to keep going to battle with that kid because he’s a tremendous player and a heck of a person.”

The thrilling nature of this rivalry game not only entertained fans but also left both teams with valuable lessons as they move forward in their seasons. The competitive spirit displayed on the field promises an exciting continuation of their respective campaigns in the DuKane Conference.