2016 Snapshot: Batesville

There are big shoes to fill at Batesville in 2016. After two decades of manning the sidelines head coach Eric Heppner decided to retire. He will be replaced Evan Ulery. Following a legend like Heppner isn’t not an enviable task. To compound matters, Ulery will working with a very inexperienced squad. To say that Ulery has his work cut out for him is a hugge understatement.

Batesville loses one of its most productive classes in school history. The Bulldogs will be young and untested on both sides of the line. This new group of new faces will have to grow up in a hurry in order to keep the momentum of the program moving forward.

Batesville LB Ethan Hirt (photo from Facebook)

One of the first priorities for Ulery will be to get the numbers up after Batesville graduated one of its largest groups of seniors. Putting bodies on the field will increase the competition level. There are many positions up for grabs so battles to earn those spots is critical for maintaining the Bulldogs success.

Class 3A, Section 30
2015 RECORD: 11-2, 3-0 EIAC 3A
COACH: Evan Ulery (0-0 @ Batesville, first year, 0-0 overall)

HONOR ROLL
Brett Williamson, Sr, FB/LB – One of the premier player in the league Williamson has already been named All-EIAC 3A twice in his career. He has recorded 200 total tackles including 16 tackles for losses over the past two years. Expect Williamson to play and even larger role on offense after rushing for 384 yards with nine receptions for 101 yards and five trips to the end zone as a junior.

OTHER RETURNEES
Nathan Kirschner, Sr, WR/DB – A rock solid performer for the Bulldogs the past two seasons look for Kirschner to get more touches on offense and special teams. He was in on 50 total tackles with two interceptions and had 275 return yards as a junior.

Peyton Meyer, Sr, QB – A big senior season by Meyer will be a huge boost for the Bulldogs if they are going to win another sectional championship.

Hunter Hon, Jr, RB/LB – A rising a star in the EIAC, Hon recorded 48 total tackles, had 3.5 tackles for losses with an interception in his first season as a letterman.

Ethan Hirt, Sr, RB/LB – Hirt will be a key cog in one of the teams strengths, the linebacking core. He was in on 46 total tackles as a junior.

John Harmeyer , Sr, LB – This should be a breakout campaign for Harmeyer who recorded 16 total tackles and recovered a fumble last season.

Christian Wolfe, Sr, K – Wolfe connected on 19 extra points and two field goals in ’15.

TOP NEWCOMERS
Anthony Butz, Sr, RB – There a few bright moments for Butz as a junior who carried the ball 10 times for 151 yards and a touchdown. His role in the offense will be expanded in ’15.

Christian Prickel, Jr, SS – Pickrel could emerge as one of the better players on the Batesville defense. He has the tools to become an all-league player.

Luke Schroeder, Jr, RB/NT – Schroeder is going to get every opportunity to shine as a junior and chances are favorable for him to do just that.

Trey Heidlage, So, QB/K – The only Batesville freshman to play on the varsity last year, Heidelage ran for a touchdown and kicked nine extra points. He will be called upon to show his class the ropes on Friday nights.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(40-32 overall)
Sectional Champions (9) – 2015, 2009, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 1986
Regional Champions (1) – 1986

2016 SCHEDULE
The season will start off the same three teams that the Bulldogs have faced every year since 2003 – Jennings County, Milan and the South Dearborn. Batesville’s record versus those three clubs in that span is a combined 32-17 including 10 consecutive wins over those foes.

PASSING THE TORCH
The 2016 version of the Bulldogs has plenty to live up to. The class that just graduated went a combined 28-6 and brought home the programs ninth sectional title.

BEING DEFENSIVE
In the last three seasons Batesville has held opponents to average of 12.7 points per contest. In those 34 games the Bulldogs have held 23 opponents to 14 points or fewer including five shutouts.

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