Batavia football surges in second half, defeats Lincoln-Way Central in first-round playoff matchup

Michael Vander Luitgaren’s best highlight in the first quarter Friday might’ve been his punt that pinned Lincoln-Way Central at its own seven-yard line. An impressive feat, but a subtle sign of Batavia’s offensive inefficiency at the time. The boot ended a second three-and-out drive for the Bulldogs, who were on bye last week in the opening round of the playoffs. The new routine may have thrown them off course Friday night. Photo store: Batavia vs. Lincoln-Way Central“It was kind of weird having a bye,”Batavia coach Dennis Piron said. “I’m not really used to that. We tried to be safe and not over practice and not under practice, and not work too hard, not hit too much. You don’t know what’s right because you’ve never done it before.” But fortunately for Batavia and its 15 consecutive postseason appearances, the postseason is a familiar environment, especially on home field. The Bulldogs reverted back to normal with 25 points in the second half for a 39-10 win in the first round of the