Sports
Updated FINAL: Batavia 36, Marmion 7
The Bulldogs start their season at home with a win, their first in an opener since 2006. This is the first victory for new Head Coach Dennis Piron.
The Batavia football season opener on Friday wasn’t even close.
This year’s Bulldogs came out strong, almost shutting out Marmion with a 36-7 victory. This was the first game and first victory for Dennis Piron as the new Batavia head coach, and a promising sign for the season.
The team, with Senior Noel Gaspari returning as quarterback, scored four touchdowns in the first half. Batavia defense and special teams also shined Friday.
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The victory was a revenge of sorts for the Bulldogs, who fell to Marmion 28-14 in their last matchup in 2010.
The team played at home in front of a standing-room only crowd, who followed Piron’s call to “red out” and blanket the stands in crimson.
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Everyone in the Bulldog Stadium felt the electricity of a new football season. Parking lots overflowed and Batavia fans packed the stands. Senior Alec Lyons led the team to the field with the Bulldog banner waving high.
"The beginning of this game was like nothing I've ever seen," Piron said.
High Energy
The excitement kept the Bulldogs' spirits high as the offense led out the first half with two touchdowns. Junior Marquise Jenkins and senior Mac Brown dominated over the Cadet offense keeping Marmion scoreless until the fourth quarter.
"(Batavia's athletes) were really excited to play us, and we just weren't ready," said Mike Shares, Marmion defensive line coach. "They're a great team and we just didn't play well tonight."
However, Marmion did not go home without points on the board. With 5 minutes to go Cadet's Garret Becker ran the ball 77 yards for Marmion's one and only touchdown of the game.
Batavia won out over Marmion with final score of 36 points, including two field goals and two touchdowns from interceptions. Batavia's victory completed the excitement that started the game. Piron could not have asked for a better welcome from his team.
"I like that we won, and I like that we made some mistakes that we can learn from," Piron said. "It was a great first game."
Who's Next?
Batavia heads to Plainfield East on Friday, Sept. 2.
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