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Batavia runs River table again

Statistics were once famously included in a memorable quote about three types of lies.

But there was no mistaking the dominance of Batavia Friday night as the Bulldogs rolled to their 26th consecutive Upstate Eight Conference River victory, 40-7, over Streamwood.

The Bulldogs amassed half of their six scores, rolled up 190 yards of offense and limited Streamwood to 5 yards of first-quarter offense in assembling a 20-0 lead after one quarter in Batavia.

The Bulldogs, the defending Class 6A state champions, have not lost a River contest since late in the 2010 season to St. Charles North.

"I think we looked like a complete team today," said Batavia junior halfback Zach Garrett, who had 3 of the Bulldogs' 5 ground scores while rushing for 147 yards on 13 carries - all in the first half.

"(My success) was really just our line. They were opening holes up everywhere. I was just running through them nice and easy."

Batavia (8-1, 7-0) had 14 of its 29 first downs in the opening quarter as center Mitchell Krusz, guards Zachary Tate and Brandon Parker and tackles Patrick Gamble and Jack Breshears completely dominated the line of scrimmage.

Noah Frazier, the Bulldogs' star defensive end, opened the scoring with his 8-yard burst on his lone carry.

Garrett had touchdown runs of 9 and 5 yards to close out the Bulldogs' almost impeccable opening quarter.

"We knew if we played our game we could demoralize them (defensively)," Frazier said. "We like to set the tone."

Frazier said the defense had extra motivation.

"A lot of the JV guys have busted their tails off every day," Frazier said. "It might be our last chance to get them a game in front of the home crowd."

Batavia coach Dennis Piron was able to substitute liberally after halftime as the Bulldogs enjoyed an insurmountable 33-0 lead with five consecutive touchdown drives.

Kyle Niemiec and Batavia wideout Canaan Coffey collaborated from 34 yards out, and Garrett had his final score from 3 yards away to conclude the first-half scoring.

Streamwood (3-6, 3-4) did not punt on six consecutive possessions spanning the second and third quarters, but Batavia retained the shutout with 3 interceptions and an equal number of fourth-down stops.

Eddie Golden, Joseph Gross and Tyler Holl all had interceptions for the Bulldogs.

"I was really pleased with the defense," Piron said.

The Batavia coach said he was certain the Bulldogs would compete in Class 7A next week.

"Our kids want to be in 7A," Piron said.

Evan Acosta initiated a running clock late in the third quarter with a third-and-goal scramble from the 7-yard line.

Cody Jayko was the unquestioned bright spot for the Sabres.

The senior hooked up with quarterback Max Draper nine times for 130 yards in pass-receiving yards.

Jayko spoiled the shutout late in the fourth quarter with a 7-yard connection from Draper.

"The emotion tonight was pretty sad: the last game ever in high school," Jayko said. "Coming out and having the game that I had tonight was big for me. Hopefully, I'll have a chance to play in college."

Draper finished with 25 completions to five different receivers for 252 total yards.

Images: Streamwood at Batavia football

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