Michael Vander Luitgaren’s name wasn’t very well known heading into the IHSA playoffs in 2024.

His name, in fact, wasn’t even on the back of his jersey.

Primarily the starting quarterback for the sophomore team during the regular season for Batavia , he slowly started gaining minutes under center for the varsity team in Week 9 against Glenbard North, and then again in the first round of the playoffs against Collinsville.

Two come-from-behind victories against Lincoln-Way West and Lincoln-Way Central, guided by Vander Luitgaren, followed. Vander Luitgaren’s improbable late-season rise culminated in the Class 7A state championship game, where he broke three Class 7A title game records.

Now a junior, Vander Luitgaren’s name is a lot more well known around the state.

“He was kind of bui

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