Ashiru, who’s also ‘looking to block,’ stays on target at receiver as Batavia tops St. Charles Eas
On a team with three Division I recruits at receiver, Batavia senior Darin Ashiru has separated himself from the pack, at least statistically.
The Western Michigan recruit has emerged this season as the top target for Wyoming-bound senior quarterback Michael Vander Luitgaren in the Bulldogs’ high-powered offense.
“I’m doing pretty well,” Ashiru said. “I’m excited about how I’m playing. All the goals I set for myself; it looks like I’m going to achieve them. I’m really happy about that.”
That happiness continued Friday night for Ashiru and Co.
He wasn’t able to break of any of his usual big gains but was still Batavia’s top target with 10 catches for 72 yards and a touchdown in a 34-14 DuKane Conference win at St. Charles East.
Vander Luitgaren completed 16 of 27 passes for 139 yards and two TDs for Batavia (6-2, 5-1). The other TD went to Charlie Rosengren, who rushed for 104 yards and a TD. Vander Luitgaren also ran for 90 yards and two TDs.
Cruz Herrera passed for 164 yards and two TDs to lead St. Charles East (3-5, 1-5). Both TD passes went to Christian Hirniak, who had five catches for 79 yards. Johnny Solano gained 96 yards on 22 carries.
Part of the reason Ashiru is rolling into next Friday’s regular-season finale against Wheaton Warrenville South is something that people may overlook thanks to the presence of Northern Illinois recruit Brennon Zeng and Wyoming commit Thomas Prescott.
“People don’t realize that Brennon and Thomas take a lot of attention and that opens up Darin,” Vander Luitgaren said of Ashiru, who has 70 catches for 916 yards and eight TDs. “I remember against St. Charles North, Thomas was getting double-teamed and that just opened up Brennon and Darin. They both had huge games. It’s all three of those guys. They take attention from each other, then they all eat.”
Another aspect of Ashiru’s success is the downfield blocking by the receivers. He often gets the ball on quick passes, looking to get into space like he did Friday on a 70-yard TD catch off a screen pass that was called back due to holding.
“It’s his ability with the ball in space,” Vander Luitgaren said. “We get the ball to him quickly, quick screens, stuff like that.”
When the other receivers catch the ball, Ashiru goes into blocking mode too.
“That’s the main thing,” Ashiru said. “Whenever somebody has the ball in their hands, guys are looking to block. Being able to take advantage of that is huge for what we’re trying to accomplish.”
That’s part of the reason Batavia coach Dennis Piron trusts Ashiru to play receiver, cornerback and special teams. It’s also a reason his teammates named him a captain.
“He’s in there for an awful lot of plays,” Piron said. “He’s a kid that I think is as tough as can be and really become a good football player. I’m really proud of him. Great leader. Practices hard every single day. He gets out there early, cares a lot, coaches the other guys up. He has great energy.
“I love that kid. Special talent, but a special person.”
St. Charles East coach Nolan Possley was happy with how the Saints bottled Batavia up in the second half, allowing only six points.
“The second half, that’s where we started playing more confidently,” Possley said. “That’s the brand of defense that we’ve been playing. We just have to get off to a better start.”
Ashiru was happy with Friday’s win, but he knows the Bulldogs can be better.
“I think the focus needs to be on having a better week of practice, taking that momentum into next week’s game and the playoffs,” Ashiru said. “I don’t think we’re where we need to be.
“We have a lot more in us.”