Batesville Pioneers Spring Preview

Entering the third season of the Ryan Morrow era, the Batesville Pioneers are looking to build off the 2023 season, where they found themselves just one win away from the state playoffs. A former Pioneer himself, Morrow states, “This off-season we're focusing on the Pioneers. We want to be a program that our community is proud of and I believe these kids are working towards that.”   Heading into spring practices, the coaching staff has identified Jacob Pollett, [player_tooltip player_id='1321435' first='Cale' last='Glasgow'], Grant McDonald, and Noah Kelley as leaders who embody the Pioneer legacy of strong work ethic and strong leadership qualities. Glasgow, who has been a key asset in the past, lost his junior year to injury but is looking revitalized this offseason and will play a key role in 2024. Kelley is a guy who is “bought-in”, according to Morrow.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">OFFENSE</h2>   Quarterback   Spring practices for the Pioneers will kick off this week, while quarterback and offensive line training will be in session preceding the first practice. Following ending the season in the starting quarterback role as a sophomore in 2023, Cole Bentz will be returning as QB1 for the Pioneers. There is immense excitement for Bentz entering the 2024 season stemming from the improvement he showed throughout 2023 but also his dedication to mastering the playbook, understanding the offense, and showing growth of learning from his experiences.   Bentz has a calm demeanor under pressure with great pocket awareness, and sneaky mobility, with strength and accuracy to perform throws under duress on either side of the pocket. His ability to progress through reads and quickly identify coverage's to exploit gaps will ultimately set him apart this season.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/QB_Doctor/status/1770267074511675826 </div></figure>   Running Back   The Pioneers will boast a top-five option for the Arkansas 2026 class in [player_tooltip player_id='1152116' first='Owen' last='McLaughlin']. He has established a supreme reputation in this region of the nation following an impressive showing in 2023, combined with posting elite performances at camps across the country this off-season. McLaughlin recently earned all-camp honors at the FBU Nashville event and earned a trip to the nationally acclaimed Top Gun event in Naples, FL in July.   The Pioneers project him to be the bell-cow and the motor of the offense this season. With an elite skill set, McLaughlin projects to be an elite recruit for the Arkansas 2026 recruiting class. Boasting a complementary set of skills, McLaughlin possesses both patient and punishing running styles that leave defenders guessing how to attack McLaughlin at the point of contact. Ultimately what sets him apart is his ability to be patient behind his blocking schemes before he identifies a gap and bursts through for explosive plays.    In six games last season McLaughlin totaled 885 yards and 6 touchdowns, which projects well over 1,000 yards and 10-plus touchdowns throughout a full season against high-quality competition of the 5A-East.   Spelling McLaughlin in 2024 projects to be Ethan Mosier, Maverick King, and impressive prospect Kendryc Davidson.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/omclaughlin2026/status/1761470554110820557 </div></figure>   FULL BACK   [player_tooltip player_id='1321435' first='Cale' last='Glasgow'] (6-3, 235) and Jacob Pollett, who performed admirably in an iron-man role of sorts for the Pioneers in 2023, are being looked at as the often tone setters for the running game in the fullback position.    Glasgow currently sits on the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ahsaa.org/sac" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Red Student Advisory Council </a>for the Arkansas Activities Association (AAA). According to the AAA's website, only one student from each of the nine districts designated by the AAA is selected to take part in this honor.    The website states, “The diverse council consists of students from 1A to 7A with a wide range of activities and athletic involvement. Students sent in applications that were accompanied by a letter of recommendation from a school administrator.”   RECEIVER    A room filled with athletes, both present impactors and prospects, showcases undeniable potential and talent. Immediate playmakers include Grant McDonald, [player_tooltip player_id='1515754' first='Talen' last='Foree'], and newcomer Rafael Thomas. Both Foree and Thomas possess undeniable athleticism, with Foree earning a starting position last season on both offense and defense while earning all-conference honors. McDonald projects as the starting X receiver, with impressive hands and length that excel in 50/50 situations.   Other names mentioned by Morrow are Jake Daugherty, Josh Keener, [player_tooltip player_id='1353145' first='Camden' last='Cline'], and Gabe Bledsoe. Daugherty comes from a strong lineage of Pioneer athletes, following in the footsteps of older brothers Jace and Taylor, who donned the orange and black just a few years ago. Daugherty boasts an athletic build with an impressive 6-3, 185-pound frame and will start the season as the backup quarterback.   Gabe Bledsoe has made headlines on the baseball diamond and has been ranked as one of the elite recruits in the Arkansas class of 2027.   OFFENSIVE LINE   On paper, the Pioneers won't lack the hog mollies in the middle to move the ball in short-yardage scenarios, with [player_tooltip player_id='1152120' first='Bryce' last='Smith'] (6-4, 310), [player_tooltip player_id='1748691' first='Dalton' last='Lee'] (6-5, 300), Dan Patterson (6-1, 240), Riley Dunkel (5-8, 240), and Brody Fulbright (6-3, 250). According to Morrow, “Brody (Fulbright) has a very bright future with his coachability and will create a good base for us at quick tackle.”   Smith projects as a Power-5 recruit, showcasing impressive size, tenacity, and agility in pull situations to meet defenders in the hole with great aggressiveness and force. Smith, along with the rest of the line, will aim to bring an attitude to the offense and set the tone in the trenches.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/bryces78846172/status/1782063299300905415 </div></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">DEFENSE</h2>   In a move expected to yield immediate positive results, Nick Palese will assume the role of defensive coordinator for the 2024 season. When asked about the change, Palese reacted, “I'm jacked. I'm honored to be chosen for the role, and I can't wait to get to work with all the guys.” Palese continued, “I'm blessed to work with this impressive staff we have, but at the end of the day the kids make the job, and we have some great kids in Pioneer Nation.”   Currently amid defensive installation, according to Palese's Facebook, the Pioneer defense “will play for those who came before and those who will follow. The standard is elite”. Development and teaching will be key in Palese's philosophy, helping players understand their assignments deeply to further comprehend the scheme as a whole.   DEFENSIVE LINE    With positions still to be filled, according to Palese, multiple players are vying for roles on the defensive line, Tristan Martin and Jacob Pollett will be the returning starters. Early standouts in the summer include Jay Anthony, Rylan Wycough, Brody Fulbright, [player_tooltip player_id='1152120' first='Bryce' last='Smith'], and Landon Buie.   LINEBACKER   In an area of need after losing four starters to graduation, the Pioneers are wide open at the linebacker position, with plenty of talent ready to step up in the heart of the defense.   “We are searching for the best fit at linebacker,” Palese states, “guys who will be looking to be putting their heads on the football.” Players making headway at the Mike and Will spots (inside linebacker) include Luis Nieto, [player_tooltip player_id='1618896' first='Rourke' last='Sevier'], Ethan Mosier, and Kendryc Davidson.   At outside linebacker, early names to watch are Jake Daugherty, [player_tooltip player_id='1152116' first='Owen' last='McLaughlin'], Josh Colton, Will Kimmer, and Rafael Thomas.   DEFENSIVE BACK   Returning to the Pioneer defensive backfield will be [player_tooltip player_id='1353145' first='Camden' last='Cline'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1515754' first='Talen' last='Foree'], both expected to contribute heavily in 2024 for production and leadership. Other names to note include Xavier Pierce, Gabe Bledsoe, Blaine Baxter, Colin McCuiston, and Mishael Garcia.   Pierce is expected to make waves as we progress through the summer, having been a player who was targeted sparingly in junior high due to his playmaking abilities. According to Palese, “He's a sophomore but possesses all the abilities. He has a high ceiling for a defensive back.”   SPECIAL TEAMS   The Pioneers consistently field an elite option at kicker, which holds this season with [player_tooltip player_id='731120' first='Jackson' last='Elam']. Elam, who recently received personal invites to both Arkansas and Purdue camps, aims to join [player_tooltip player_id='1152120' first='Bryce' last='Smith'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1152116' first='Owen' last='McLaughlin'] as Power-5 recruits for the Pioneers.   Arguably the best kicker in the state, Elam has dedicated himself to the weight room with a strong work ethic this offseason, which has made a difference. He has the potential to nail field goals from elite distances and has demonstrated the ability to push through 55-plus-yarders. Elam has also impressed on kickoff duties by consistently booting the ball into the end zone, eliminating returns from the equation.   PREVIEW OF THE 5A EAST AND 2024 SCHEDULE   When discussing the 2024 5A-East slate, Morrow acknowledges the challenge, saying, “We gain defending 4A state champion Harding Academy, with an already stout group of Valley View, Wynne, and an impressive Nettleton squad that has had impressive junior high teams in recent years.”   While understanding the challenges ahead, Morrow recognizes that self-improvement is paramount heading into the summer. “For us, the main thing is the Pioneers. We're focused on improving ourselves right now and helping make us the best we can be. We are solely focused on developing our guys to be ready for whatever comes their way". Morrow adds, “We're excited to get the team out there this week. The spring and summer will be used for teaching our guys where we need them in alignments and assignments. We're going to be setting our standard of excellence".

Entering the third season of the Ryan Morrow era, the Batesville Pioneers are looking to build off the 2023 season, where they found themselves just one win away from the state playoffs. A former Pioneer himself, Morrow states, “This off-season we're focusing on the Pioneers. We want to be a program that our community is proud of and I believe these kids are working towards that.”