Overlooked Batavia QB Michael Vander Luitgaren throws 5 TDs in a statement win against Maine South
The area has been loaded with multiple nationally ranked quarterbacks over the past two seasons. Jonas Williams, Trae Taylor and Johnny O’Brien garnered headlines last season. This preseason has been all about Montini’s Israel Abrams, Hersey’s Jake Nawrot and Maine South’s Jameson Purcell.
There was a kid in Batavia reading all of that hype and wondering where his name was.
The Bulldogs have built their football program with a community, not star power, and maybe that is one of the reasons senior Michael Vander Luitgaren slipped under the radar the past few weeks.
“I’m coming into the season with a big chip on my shoulder,” Vander Luitgaren said. “Not trying to diss on the other guys. They are amazing players. But I got disrespected a little bit. Today I showed why I should be considered a top quarterback in the state.”
The Wyoming recruit was sensational on Friday in Batavia, leading the No. 8 Bulldogs to a 49-35 win against No. 11 Maine South and Purcell.
Vander Luitgaren was 28 of 34 passing for 439 yards and five touchdowns with one interception. The yardage and TDs are career-high marks.
“He is the best quarterback in Illinois,” Batavia coach Dennis Piron said. “I’m biased; I’m his coach. There are a lot of good QBs this year, but he is severely underrated. We also have dudes that can go get it and catch the ball.”
Vander Luitgaren connected with seven receivers. Darin Ashiru, a Western Michigan recruit, had 10 catches for 153 yards and 2 TDs.
“[Maine South] is a phenomenal team but keeping our foot on the gas was the key today,” Ashiru said. “Michael is like that. He’s the real deal.”
Wyoming recruit Thomas Prescott finished with five receptions for 70 yards and a TD. Brennon Zeng, an NIU recruit, added seven catches for 141 yards and two touchdowns.
“I can just throw the ball their way and they are going to make something happen,” Vander Luitgaren said. “All of them made great plays.”
Vander Luitgaren has 5 TD passes and more than 400 yards so far. Just hit Zeng for another score. This was the Zeng grab that set up the TD.
Batavia leads Maine South 49-28 in the 4Q. pic.twitter.com/OxQfoyc8Nn
— Michael O’Brien (@michaelsobrien) August 22, 2026
Maine South scored first and tied the game at 21 late in the first half on a 66-yard TD run from Syracuse recruit Matthew Schlenhardt. Batavia (1-0) scored on a six-yard run by Liam Moore to retake the lead just before halftime.
Vander Luitgaren and Prescott connected for a touchdown to open the third quarter, and the Bulldogs never looked back.
“You knew [Vander Luitgaren] was special on film,” Maine South coach Dave Inserra said. “We were really worried about his running game. You will see that as the season progresses. He really doesn’t make bad passes.”
Purcell, an Indiana recruit, was 20 of 40 passing for 157 yards. He threw two interceptions and connected with Keaton Vitel on a 44-yard TD.
“We ran the ball really well but had a few drops, which we can’t have,” Inserra said. “That is a state championship quality team. We have nothing to be ashamed of. It was a great atmosphere. I will take this loss over playing a week team and getting a win.”