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2024 Snapshot: Batesville

Batesville QB Will Jaisle (photo by: Sandy Mahoney / X: @InMotionBySandy)

Last seasons magical run for Batesville saw them fall just several minutes short of capturing the second regional championship school history. The Bulldogs still won the programs 10th Sectional title and first in eight years. With a strong nucleus returning, expectations are high for 2024.

“We are fortunate to have ample varsity experience with multiple two-year and three-year starters as well as five all-conference starters back from 2023. Our depth at all positions will create constant competition,” head coach Evan Ulery states.

A veteran team that is accomplished on the field gives Ulery a very different set of concerns to worry about heading into this season. “The biggest question is going to be how this group handles being more of the hunted rather than being the hunter and how they continue handling all the successes that they earn? Our staff is confident this group is wired to achieve more than it did in 2023 and really leave their mark in the history of Batesville football.”

This will be one of the more polished and dynamic offenses that the Tri-State will see in 2024. They will have no problem keeping pace with anyone on the scoreboard. Defensively, the Bulldogs are an opportunistic bunch returning three players that have combined for 24 interceptions in their careers. This Batesville squad is equipped to and has all the pieces to end a 38-year drought without a regional crown.

Batesville RB Gage Pohlman (photo by: Sandy Mahoney / X: @InMotionBySandy)

Class 3A, Sectional 30
2023 RECORD: 11-2, 4-0 EIAC Leaders
COACH: Evan Ulery (52-38 at Batesville, eight years; 52-38 overall)

HONOR ROLL
Gage Pohlman, Sr, RB/LB – A three-year starter and two-time All-EIAC performer Pohlman is closing in on the all-time school rushing record. He also displays his speed and relentlessness as he flies around on the defensive side of the ball. As a junior, Pohlman ran for 1,548 yards, had 15 receptions, 379 receiving yards, 2,029 all-purpose yards, 22 touchdowns (16 rush, five rec, one FR), and was in on 39 total tackles, with five sacks and a scoop-and-score. He has run for 2,685 yards, racked up 3,327 all-purpose yards, reeled in 28 receptions for 441 yards and has 30 touchdowns (24 rush), in his career.

Cade Kaiser, Sr, WR/LB – A three-year starter and two-time All-EIAC selection, at receiver Kaiser creates mismatches versus opposing secondaries. Defensively, his versatility is a huge asset. He can play in the box, at the line of scrimmage or in the secondary and do all at a high level.  Kaiser caught 50 balls for 799 yards and 17 touchdowns as a junior. He also had 44 total tackles, three tackles for losses, five pass breakups and two interceptions. Kaiser, who has an offer from Butler, has 80 receptions, 1,269 yards receiving, 22 touchdown catches, 159 total tackles, two forced fumbles and nine interceptions in his career.

Will Jaisle, Sr, QB – Back for his third year under center, Jaisle, a two-time All-EIAC selection is a smart player who distributes the ball effectively to his teammates. He has a big arm that stretches defenses vertically. Jaisle also possesses the size and toughness to be an added runner. He threw for 1,840 yards, ran for 341 yards and accounted for 35 touchdowns (29 pass, six rush) as a junior. In his career, Jaisle has thrown for 3,311 yards, ran for 1,158 yards and accounted for 61 touchdowns (43 pass, 18 rush). Jaisle has committed to play baseball at Notre Dame.

Alex Krekeler, Sr, FB/DB – Led the Hoosier State with nine interceptions on his way to All-EIAC Leaders and Third Team All-TriState Football honors in 2023. Defensively, Krekeler covers well but also has the size and strength to play in the box. On offense, he is a Swiss Army Knife with his ability to run, catch and block. To go along with his nine interceptions, Krekeler had 41 total tackles, 218 yards rushing, 21 receptions, 272 yards receiving, 760 all-purpose yards and seven touchdowns (four rec, two rush, one PR).

Batesville FB/DB Alex Krekeler (photo by: Sandy Mahoney / X: @InMotionBySandy)

OTHER RETURNEES
Max Amberger, Sr, OL/DL – Plays with a nastiness and will do all the dirty work to help his team. Amberger, a state qualifier in wrestling will look to anchor both the offensive and defensive lines. He has 51 total tackles, seven tackles for losses and a sack in his career.

Andrew Jones, Sr, OL – A returning starter who had a solid junior campaign. Jones is a smart player who plays with great leverage.

Damien Krekeler, Sr, DL – Has the size and speed to play inside and outside on the defensive front. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound Krekeler looks to take on a bigger role with the departure of EIAC Leaders Defensive MVP, Bobby Weiler. He had 21 total tackles and three tackles for losses in 2023.

Damien Dane, Sr, WR/DB – Back for his third year as a starter, Dane looks to compliment Kaiser in the passing game and be a leader in the secondary. He has 27 receptions for 396 yards with four touchdown catches, 95 total tackles and six interceptions at the varsity level.

Judd Renck, Sr, LB –An instinctive and heady player who has gained valuable experience over the past two years. Renck had 32 total tackles and a fumble recovery as a junior.

John Dirkhising, Sr, OL/LB – A versatile player that can play anywhere on the o-line as well as at fullback and tight end. The biggest question is, where will Dirkhising end up? He should be a big piece of the puzzle in helping the run game and will be in the rotation on the defensive side of the ball. Dirkhising had 42 total tackles and a sack as a junior.

Brady Wonnell, Jr, K – Performed well in his first season, connecting on 48 of his 53 extra point attempts as a sophomore. Wonnell has seen his strength and consistency improve so he should have an excellent junior campaign.

NEWCOMERS
Carson Schneider, Sr, WR/DB – After sitting out his entire junior year due to injury, Schneider should be primed to have a breakout senior year. He has a high football IQ with experience at quarterback and wide receiver as well as the ability to play any position in the secondary.

Carter Wehr, Sr, OL – One of several players competing for the three holes graduated on the offensive line. The 6-foot-1, 260-pound Wehr has the size and strength to provide a solid blocker to help the running attack.

John Meyer, Sr, OL – Another senior with great strength numbers which should translate on the field to help the running game.

Kyler Redelman, Sr, DT – This is only Redelman’s second season of playing football. The 6-foot-2, 280-pound d-lineman continues to make huge strides and should be a force on the interior beside Amberger.

Sebastain Hall, Jr, TE/LB – Coming off an injury that derailed his sophomore season, Hall has rebounded well by adding strength, size and speed. He is ready to have a monster year.

Trenton Jordan, Jr, WR/DB – Possesses great leadership skills and will bring that trait to the  secondary this fall. This offseason Jordan set the school’s all-time power clean record for the 125-pound weight class at 190-pounds. He continues to add weight and speed.

Ethan Schneider, Jr, WR/DB – A multi-sport athlete that has great overall skills and toughness. Schneider will compete for a starting position from Day 1 this summer.

Zadiin Small, So, RB/LB – Has the overall athleticism to play Week 1 on Friday nights. If Small can make the jump in the other football areas, then he will be a huge complimentary piece to Pohlman.

Jaxon Brittle, Jr, OL – A hard worker with a great motor and passion for the game.  Brittle continues to add strength and size to giving him a shot to snag a starting job on the offensive line.

Batesville WR/LB Cade Kaiser (photo by Sandy Mahoney / X: @InMotionBySandy)

PLAYOFF HISTORY (50-40)
Sectional Champion (10) – 2023, 2015, 2009, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 & 1986.
Regional Champion (one) – 1986.

2024 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/23/23 – at Triton Central (11-2 in 2023) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/30/23 – at Milan (8-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/06/23 – SOUTH DEARBORN (5-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/13/23 – at Rushville (3-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/20/23 – at East Central (15-0) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 09/27/23 – LAWRENCEBURG (8-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/04/23 – GREENSBURG (0-10) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/11/23 – at Franklin County (4-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/18/23 – CONNERSVILLE (2-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/25/23 – TBD: IHSAA Sectional 30 Playoffs

 

 

 

 

 

 

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