BATAVIA — Ja’Vin McFollins has improved with each passing week since taking the reins as a first-year varsity quarterback to begin the season. McFollins has helped guide defending champion Batavia to 10 straight victories since starting his time under center for the Blue Devils football program. The senior signal-caller has put forth numerous electrifying performances along the way, including a four-touchdown effort in his team’s 56-14 win over Livonia in Friday’s Section V Class B semifinal.
McFollins was superb for the Blue Devils’ offense in the blowout victory over the Bulldogs, completing 8-of-10 passes for 242 yards and three passing touchdowns to go with a rushing touchdown he added near the end of the first half to increase Batavia’s early lead to 35-6.
“Ja’Vin has been a tremendous player and leader for this football team,” said Batavia head coach Brennan Briggs. “He is cool, calm and collected on the field, and the kid wants the ball in his hands in big situations.”
McFollins’ touchdown passes came from 78, 53 and 21 yards out, with the long gainer coming on a deep strike to Cole Grazioplene, which helped place Batavia’s lead at 21-6 with 11:17 remaining in the first half. The 53-yard completion was caught by McFollins’ brother, Carter McFollins, while Cooper Fix secured a 21-yard touchdown reception to help increase Batavia’s lead to 42-6 with 6:40 remaining in the third quarter.
The Blue Devils’ running game also had its way against the visiting Bulldogs. Batavia totaled 336 rushing yards on 29 carries, with JV call-up Zay Griffin finishing as the team’s leading rusher with 141 rushing yards on eight totes, including two rushing scores, all of which came when the game was well out of reach in the second half.
While the game was still in contention, Aidan Anderson powered the Batavia ground attack with 114 yards on 15 carries, including the game’s first touchdown, a 46-yard rushing score to help give Batavia a quick 7-0 lead with 9:58 remaining in the opening frame. Cam McClinic also had a nice game running the football, totaling 75 yards on just four carries, including a 56-yard touchdown run to help give Batavia a 14-6 lead with 7:33 remaining in the first quarter.
Julia Petry finished a perfect eight for eight on her point after attempts. Petry has converted 51 of her 56 PATs this season.
Owen Wetterings scored on a 65-yard touchdown run to help give Livonia (5-5) some early life, cutting the Bulldogs’ early deficit to 7-6 with 8:26 remaining in the first quarter. Maddox Olsen scored Livonia’s other touchdown, a seven-yard run to cut the deficit to 49-14 with 6:01 remaining in the fourth quarter.
The Batavia defense was propelled by linebackers Aavion Bethel and Garrett Schmidt, who finished with 12 and 11 tackles, respectively. Schmidt recorded four tackles for loss, while Carter McFollins made eight stops and secured an interception.
“I’m super proud of this football team,” added Briggs. “
Batavia looks ahead to the Class B final, where it will meet the winner of No. 2 HF-L (7-2) and No. 3 Monroe (7-2), who face off on Saturday afternoon. Monroe previously defeated HF-L, 26-7, on Oct. 8.
Batavia is in search of its second straight sectional championship and sixth Class B crown since Briggs took over the program in 2011. The Class B final will be played on Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. at SUNY Brockport.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
