Bulldogs answer with a championship season

This fall the Batavia Bulldogs football team entered the season with a lot of question marks: a first year head coach in Denis Piron, an unproven and undersized and offensive line, and an inexperienced defense. From the question marks the Bulldogs rose to enjoy one of the most memorable seasons in the hundred plus year history of the program. Living up to the motto of “No Regrets” that the team adopted early in the summer the Bulldogs finished 12–1, with an undefeated regular season record, and the first conference title since 2006.

The season began with a 36–7 victory, the first of many for coach Piron against local rival Aurora (Marmion) behind an interception return for touchdown by Austin Higgins and two other key interceptions from Senior Jon Gray.

The Bulldogs would string together two more wins to improve to 3–0.

Week four brought a key matchup against an unbeaten Bartlett team. Behind a ruckus Dog Pound and a charged up Bulldog Stadium the Dogs proved victorious. Sophomore running back Anthony Thielk broke a zero zero tie late in the first half with a 26 yard scamper up the middle. Late in the second half Thielk struck again, this time on a 99 yard kick return that turned out to be the dagger in the Bulldogs 35–13 victory over the Hawks.

After a homecoming victory over St. Charles East, the Bulldogs prepared for week six matchup against local rival and fellow unbeaten Geneva. The matchup was the Comcast Game of the Week and it did not disappoint.

On a sloppy Burgess Field in Geneva, the Bulldogs took a 17–14 lead into the half behind the arm of All State Quarterback Noel Gaspari. In the second half, the Batavia running game took over behind big plays from power backs Dominic Guzaldo and Alec Lyons, with the change of pace being provided by speed back Alex Moore.

Backed by strong defensive effort spearheaded by a defensive touchdown from Austin Lewis and 15 solo tackles from middle linebacker Sean Oroni, the Bulldogs prevailed 46–34 and put themselves in the driver’s seat for the conference title.

The Bulldogs strung together three more regular season victories to cap off the regular season, finishing 9–0. For the first time in school history the Bulldogs prepared for the playoffs.

The Bulldogs entered the playoffs as the top seeded team in the 32 team 6A bracket. In the first round the Bulldogs played Nilles (Notre Dame). Early on the Dons of Notre Dame looked to pull the upset as they took a 28–7 lead into the half. In the second half the Bulldogs took over behind inspired play from a pair of three-year varsity starters, Noel Gaspari, and Cole Gardner. Noel threw for four, second half touchdowns, three of them to Cole and the Bulldog defense locked down the Dons to secure a 35–28 victory and another celebration at Bulldog Stadium.

The Bulldogs then defeated Lake Forest High School 31–17 in Batavia to advance to the third round of the IHSA State Playoffs. The Bulldogs took to the road for their third round match-up. The opponent was Lakes (Community High School). Despite the two hour trek, Bulldog Nation turned out in force with three full student buses to support the unbeaten Dogs, and they were not disappointed.

On the fourth play from scrimmage Cole Gardner broke through and blocked a punt that Austin Lewis recovered in the end zone and the Bulldogs were rolling. They didn’t look back. Behind a big game from Noel Gaspari, the Bulldogs rode lockdown defense and explosive offense to a 42–0 victory.

This victory brought the Bulldogs home for an unprecedented eighth home game. The opponent would be a tough Crystal Lake (Prairie Ridge) team coming off a victory over perennial powerhouse Nazareth. The Bulldogs fell short against the eventual state champions despite the career day from Noel Gaspari in which he completed 28 of 45 passes for 371 yards and 3 touchdowns despite gusty wind conditions.

The Bulldogs finished tied for the most wins in school history and rewrote the record book on both sides of the ball. Senior middle linebacker Sean Oroni broke the single season tackle record set in 1986 by now defensive coordinator Matt Holm. All State quarterback Noel Gaspari broke almost all of the single season passing records, while the offense as a unit broke the record for points per game and first downs, a tribute to a well balanced attack. The defense set the record for most sacks in a season and set an all-time low for offense allowed per game.

The Bulldogs had stressed academic excellence all year and this was shown by their 11 academic all-state honorees. The Bulldogs look forward to the 2012 campaign as they prepare to open up against Glenbard North. The Bulldogs bring back key starters on the offensive line, Adam Hunger, Sebastian Vermass, and Ben Link. On defense they return standouts Marquise Jenkins, Robbie Bowman, and two-way playing sophomore sensations Anthony Thielk and Michael Moffat.

Article by Batavia High School Senior Zack Schoettes, also known as #67 of the Bulldogs

Making the transition for the Class of 2016 Freshman

For many, the thought of their children entering high school is a daunting process. Batavia High School provides opportunities to make the transition as seamless as possible for both parents and students. In Dr. Hichens’ letter to parents she states, “Beginning high school can present many challenges to both students and parents. The unfamiliar surroundings, different courses, and new opportunities can sometimes be overwhelming. However, the Batavia High School staff is committed to making this a smooth transition for everyone.”

Past surveys of freshman indicate that they found the transition to be smoother than anticipated. The students said that there were many opportunities for getting the help that they needed. Maggie Skonie, a current BHS freshman, stated that “It was easier to fall into a routine than I thought it would be.” Maggie also said, when asked about finding her way around at the beginning of the school year, “People were outside of their doors helping people. That was very helpful.”

Current eighth grade students will begin the transition process in December and January. The high school hosts events to provide information and guidance to parents and students. On December 8th, parents of parochial students were invited to Batavia High School to attend an informational session. On January 24, all eighth grade parents are invited for an evening event that includes introductions to staff members, high school planning information, building orientation, and registration information.

Parents and students will complete course requests on the PowerSchool online registration system. Students can request their first and alternate choices for eight classes, five of which are required courses for all freshman. BHS provides all materials, directions, and course descriptions on the school website’s (bhs.bps101.net) “Incoming Freshman” tab.

Batavia High School will continue to send updated information and reminders to parents via the Messenger system. All eighth grade parents are encouraged to sign up to receive BHS messages.