Batesville Enters New Frontier
The Batesville Bulldogs finished off a perfect regular season in grand fashion on what was record-setting night as they beat Connersville 49-14.
The victory sealed the first-ever undefeated regular season in school history. The Eastern Indiana Athletic Conference 2009 champions are ranked fifth in the Indiana Division III AP Poll and seventh in the Coaches' Poll.
Advertisement
Quarterback Connor Kelley tossed four touchdown passes in Friday's victory, giving him both the single-season (15) and career (25) school marks. Wide receiver Tim Jeffers also set a school record with nine touchdown passes in a season.
Kelley, who holds three offers from Ivy League schools, has been the fuel in the offensive engine. The senior has blown up this year throwing for 1,114 yards while completing 56 percent of his passes for an average of 21.5 yards per completion.
The defense has also played a hand in Batesville's success, allowing just 9.2 points per contest. The unit has held four opponents to a touchdown or less, including two shutouts.
The solid season earned the Bulldogs a first-round bye when the sectional playoffs begin on Friday. Next week they will host the winner of Greensburg and Rushville, who meet this weekend.
If Batesville is able to advance out of the sectionals they are facing a potential first-round regional match-up against top-ranked Indianapolis Chatard.