2023 Snapshot: Batesville

When all is said and done, there is a very good chance that we could be talking about Batesville as one of the ‘feel good” stories of 2023. The Bulldogs are ready to prove that they are just as good if not better than anyone they will face. After winning two playoff games last year for the first time since 2018 this teams feels like it is on the cusp of doing big things.

“Overall, we are excited the trajectory the program has as we enter the ’23 season. Expectations and goals are high. There is a lot of experience, talent and overall hunger to win by this group. The EIAC is a great conference with exceptional talent and teams. We believe our group of guys are right there with the best in the conference,” head coach Evan Ulery states.

One thing that makes this squad special is that the junior class maybe just as good if not better than a stellar group of seniors. The competition and push to make each other better should pay big dividends as each week goes by.

As bright as the overview is for Batesville, Ulery knows that there are things that need to fall into place for success to happen. “We have experience and production at the offensive skill positions along with depth and experience in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Although many starters return there are still some question marks on who fills some key spots, as well as how guys perform coming off injuries.”

A regular season schedule that is laced with opportunities to pickup some “take notice” victories and make this a very special campaign should have Batesville more than ready to make a deep run in the playoffs. How the Bulldogs play in back-to-back weeks versus reigning Class 4A state champion East Central and at Class 3A state runner-up Lawrenceburg in September will be a great barometer for coach Ulery to evaluate the mettle that his kids are made of. Bank on the Bulldogs, answering the call, holding their own and becoming that team no one wants to face after those battles.

Class 3A, Sectional 31
2022 RECORD: 6-6, 2-1 EIAC 3A
COACH: Evan Ulery (41-36 at Batesville, seven years; 41-36 overall)

HONOR ROLL
Will Jaisle, Jr, QB/S – Displays the grit and moxie that you want in a football player. Jaisle is the leader of this team. He was named Class 3A All-EIAC as a defensive back a year ago. On offense, Jaisle also amassed 1,999 yards of total offense (1,256 pass, 743 rush) and accounted for 22 touchdowns (14 pass, eight rush).

Batesville QB/DB Will Jaisle (photo by: Sandy Mahoney/Twitter: @In MotionBySandy)

Gage Pohlman, Jr, RB/LB – A lean and strong runner who is built to go downhill.  Pohlman is primed for a huge breakout year. He was named Class 3A All-EIAC (RB) after running for 766 yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore. Pohlman also had 36 total tackles. He heads into his junior campaign with 1,137 yards rushing, nine rushing touchdowns, 1,298 all-purpose yards and 42 total tackles.

Max Amberger, Jr, OG/DT – A tough, hard-nosed kid who plays with a high motor.  Amberger is a two-way starter and was named Class 3A All-EIAC (OL) as a sophomore.

Cade Kaiser, Jr, WR/S – A long athletic player who will be the top target for Jaisle in the passing game. Kaiser had 30 receptions for 470 yards and five touchdowns and was named Class 3A All-EIAC (WR) in ’22. On defense, the Bulldogs will look for Kaiser to be the leader of the secondary group. He has been a starter there since his freshman year and has amassed 115 total tackles, forced two fumbles and seven interceptions in his career.

Batesville WR/DB Cade Kaiser (photo by Sandy Mahoney/Twitter: @InMotionBySandy)

Quinton Elston, Sr, DT – Has strong and long frame which helps him get separation from offensive linemen. Elston has started multiple games the past two seasons and has 61 total tackles and a sack in his career. He was a Class 3A Honorable Mention All-EIAC (DT) selection as a junior.

Damien Dance, Jr, WR/CB – Emerged mid-way through last season as a two-way starter. Dance was a catalyst to the offense as runner and receiver. He heads into ’23 as one of the Bulldogs top cornerbacks. Dance had 20 receptions for 262 yards, two touchdown catches, 48 total tackles, four tackles for losses and two interceptions as a sophomore earning Class 3A Honorable Mention All-EIAC (DB) accolades.

Carter Bohman, Sr, LB/TE – The coaching staff looks for Bohman to take control of the linebacker group and have a great senior campaign. He was named Class 3A Honorable Mention All-EIAC (LB) a year ago. Bohman has 111 total tackles and two fumble recoveries in a Bulldogs uniform.

Batesville LB Carter Bohman (photo by: Sandy Mahoney/Twitter: @In MotionBySandy)

OTHER RETURNEES
Bobby Weiler, Sr, FB/DL – The heartbeat of this Bulldogs team who plays with a relentlessness that coaches love. Weiler was lead blocker for Pohlman and Jaisle in ’22 as well as a force on the defensive line. He had 21 total tackles and three tackles for losses.

Carson Meyer, Sr, OG/DT – A big, strong player who adds a lot of experience to the offensive line unit. Meyer made multiple starts as a junior on the o-line.

Jonathan Buschle, Sr, CB – Started last season as the Bulldogs top cornerback but unfortunately had his season cut short due to injury. Buschle looks to rebound and be one of the team’s top players in the secondary.

Deacon Hamilton, Sr, OLB/RB – Was plagued with injuries in ’22 but when Hamilton was on the field, he was a key contributor on both sides of the ball. Hamilton has the physical traits to be a big difference-maker for the Bulldogs defense this fall.

Collin Wells, Sr, OL – Has starts at guard and tackle. Wells should take the reins at one of those spots.

Batesville OL Collin Wells (photo by: Sandy Mahoney/Twitter: @InMotionBySandy)

NEWCOMERS
Carson Schneider, Jr, QB/WR/DB – An athletic player who is capable of taking the reins at quarterback, be a top threat at wide receiver as well as being a starter in the secondary. Look for Schneider to find a role somewhere and be impactful for the Bulldogs.

Alex Krekeler, Jr, TE/OLB – Krekeler found himself on the field more in the playoffs last season as a linebacker and at receiver. Krekeler has added size, which will allow him to be a versatile player on both sides of the ball.

Andrew Jones, Jr, OT/DE – A long player who has developed a lot of strength this offseason. Jones did start one game last year but looks to be a starter on one side of the ball or the other this fall.

Damien Krekeler, Jr, DT – Krekeler is quick off the ball and can be disruptive. He has added size and strength which should allow him to fair well at the varsity level in ’23.

Batesville Head Coach Evan Ulery (photo by: Sandy Mahoney/Twitter: @InMotionBySandy)

PLAYOFF HISTORY (47-39)
Sectional Champion (nine) – 2015, 2009, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 & 1986.
Regional Champion (one) – 1986.

2023 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/18/23 – INDIAN CREEK (7-4 in 2022) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/25/23 – MILAN (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/01/23 – at South Dearborn (7-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/08/23 – RUSHVILLE (2-8)– 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/15/23 – EAST CENTRAL (13-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/22/23 – at Lawrenceburg (13-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/29/23 – at Greensburg (3-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/06/23 – FRANKLIN COUNTY (4-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/13/23 – at Connersville (7-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/20/23 – TBD: IHSAA Sectional 31 Playoffs

2023 Active Leaders: Southeastern Indiana

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