All Batavia needed was a bit of a push.

With the Bulldogs only up a touchdown and Hoffman Estates driving into the red zone early in the second quarter, they were looking for one big play to set a fire underneath them to start off the Class 7A playoffs.

An interception from junior Luke Gardner did just that.

The 13th-seeded Bulldogs went off after the turnover in a 56-0 victory over the No. 20 Hawks on Friday.

Batavia (8-2) will take on No. 4 Glenbard East in the second round of the playoffs. The Rams defeated No. 29 West Chicago 56-29 in the first round.

“We just have that ability to take advantage of explosive plays and stuff like that,” Bulldogs coach Dennis Piron said. “And more than anything, I think it got some of our playoff nerves out. You’re going to have them anyhow, but tha

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