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2023 Snapshot: Batavia

Batavia QB Jess Roller (photo from Facebook: ESSportspage)

Getting better in all phases and aspects of the game will be primary points of emphasis for Batavia as it prepares for the upcoming season. The Bulldogs are aiming for their first winning season since 2018. To accomplish that, this team will need to take its competitive drive, both mentally and physically, to whole new level.

After four seasons of being the doormat of the SBAAC American, going a combined 5-32 overall, posting an 0-19 mark in league play, and allowing 46.4 points per game, in that span, Batavia sees light at the end of the tunnel of futility. “We are expecting this team to take a big step forward in 2023. We return the core starters on both sides of the ball. The hard work put in this offseason should translate to the field this fall,” head coach Wayne Stacy states.

The Bulldogs are still going to be young but that may not be a bad thing. Stacy has the chance to mold them into a group that understands the work that has to be put in to be winners. That could lead to washing away the losing mojo sooner rather than later for this program.

Division IV, Region 16
2022 RECORD: 1-9, 0-5 SBAAC American
COACH: Wayne Stacy (1-9 at Batavia, one year; 16-23 overall, four years)

TOP RETURNEES
Max Mehlman, Jr, WR – It was a breakout sophomore season for Mehlman. He had 51 receptions for 935 yards and seven touchdowns. He was named OPSWA Division IV Second Team All-Southwest District (WR) for his work.

Jess Roller, Sr, QB – It’s pretty amazing that Roller put up the kind of numbers that he did in 2022 considering all the pressure that he was under from opposing defenses. Roller threw for 1,853 yards, ran for 202 yards, had 10 passing touchdowns and three rushing scores. He has thrown for 2,634 yards and 15 touchdowns in his career.

Evan Hamilton, Sr, DB – A returning starter and one of the leaders of the Bulldogs defense. Hamilton tallied 24 total tackles and had an interception as a junior.

Batavia DB Evan Hamilton (photo from Facebook: ESSportspage)

Austyn Shepherd, Sr, RB – Will slide into the role as the team’s top option at running back this fall. Shepherd will also play some defense after getting in on 31 total tackles with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery a year ago.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(four appearances, 1-4) – 2020, 2012, 2003, 1999

2023 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/18/23 – WILLIAMSBURG (8-3 in 2022) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/25/23 – at Blanchester (8-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/01/23 – at Clermont Northeastern (3-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/08/23 – SHRODER (1-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/15/23 – at Bethel-Tate (5-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/22/23 – at Western Brown (11-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/29/23 – WILMINGTON (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/06/23 – NEW RICHMOND (8-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/13/23 – CLINTON-MASSIE (7-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/20/23 – at Goshen (2-8) – 7:00 PM

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