Bulldogs take bite out of South Dearborn

BATESVILLE, indiana – The Batesville Bulldogs cruised to a 34-7 victory at home over the South Dearborn Knights in cross-conference EIAC action.

The Bulldogs led the charge early with a stout first half defense that allowed only 38 yards to the Knights.

Coach Evan Ulery said he was proud of his team effort on defense, not only in the win over the Knights but all season long. He praised his team’s ability to stop the run and estimated the first team had given up fewer than 100 yards on the ground all season long.

The Bulldogs were not without adversity. Starting quarterback Peyton Meyer went down early in the second quarter with a wrist injury that Ulery described as a “deep bruise.” Sophomore quarterback Trey Heidlage stepped into the role to carry out the rest of the half and most of the second half. Meyer would not return from the injury.

Ulery said the role was not all that unfamiliar for Heidlage. He split time throughout the offseason with Meyer. The position battle remained competitive until Meyer won over the starting job at the beginning of the season.

“We are kind of fortunate that we have two guys who can play and lead from the position,” Ulery said. “Trey being a sophomore, he plays a lot older than a sophomore should. He’s very composed and a great leader.”

Heidlage went 2-2 passing in the first half for 22 yards and a touchdown and ran the ball for 39 yards in the game in the relief role at quarterback. Ulery said Meyer did get cleared to return by team doctors, but the coaching staff made the decision to leave the senior out of the lineup while they lead 27-0. Ulery felt the team didn’t lose much with the backup signal caller in the game and with the big lead did not want to risk further injury to Meyer. After the game Meyer was wearing a brace on his throwing hand, but Ulery said it was “wait and see” at this point.

Batesville’s lopsided victory gave the Bulldogs the opportunity to showcase lots of different players in varsity action. Junior Jack Kellerman burst through in the second half racking up 52 yards while fellow junior Drew McLeod scampered for 77 yards. Senior Ethan Hirt racked up 62 yards for the game and starting running back Christian Prickel had 79 yards on 14 carries in the game.

Batesville’s staggering defense caused the South Dearborn Knights to change up their offense entirely. The started the game in a wing formation with lots of quick pitches and counters with limited success. In the second half, South Dearborn moved to a spread offense and aired it out. However, the Knights completed just three passes for 10 yards in the second half. Their lone scoring drive came late in the forth quarter when Timmy Dick found the end zone from seven yards out.

The Bulldogs move to 3-0 for the fourth straight season and Coach Ulery remains unbeaten since taking the reins from retired coach Eric Heppner. Ulery said he knew the shoes would be big to fill but is up for the challenge each and every week. He said he is ready to build on the tradition of Batesville football as the season moves forward and is taking it in one game at a time. Batesville will next be in action on the road against Rushville while South Dearborn looks for their first win of the season on the road against Connersville.

*Article by Brian Durham

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