Batesville Pioneers Season Preview

<p>“Tradition Never Graduates” is a phrase that is held dear in the Pioneer program. As I walked through the historical Pioneer Fieldhouse my eyes could not help but be enticed by the countless 5A-East conference championship banners hanging on the walls, pictures of former Pioneers to play at the next level, and the overall tradition that embodies that of the Pioneer program</p>   <p>The Pioneers kicked off their fall camp at 6:59 a.m. on July 29th, welcoming a special group of alumni who stopped by to watch and support the 2024 team during their station work on opening day.</p>   <p>“We had a group of 40-50 former players stop by which is really special for these current players to see, it's kinda like a right of passage for the Pioneer program”, recalls Pioneer head coach Ryan Morrow. “From Zach Kibe to Tim Hughes all the way to guys like Conner Foree, we had a long lineage of former players come to support our current guys.”</p>   <p>Morrow acknowledges the current Pioneers are working to make those who came before them and the Batesville community proud. “The standard remains the same for the Pioneers, competing for 5A-East titles and still playing deep into November.”</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center"><span style="text-decoration: underline">OFFENSE</span></h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Quarterback</h2>   <p>The Pioneers will line up with an underrated signal caller in junior [player_tooltip player_id='1158058' first='Nathan' last='Cole Bentz'] (6-0, 175), who recently received an offer from Lyon College and has also been climbing recruiting boards across the region. He has a great feel for the offense and has shown tremendous growth throughout the offseason in terms of what the coaching staff is looking for him to bring to the huddle. Bentz has great arm strength, supreme awareness of defensive coverages, and an elite work ethic in the film room.</p>   <p>“He's been the best quarterback at every 7-on-7 camp we've been to this summer and has earned the belief of his offensive unit, which is going to be huge for us,” says Morrow, “I am really excited about his potential and the year he can have spinning it for us.”</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Running Back</h2>   <p>The Pioneers are approaching the 2024 season with a host of talent in the backfield with multiple guys who are bringing different skill sets to the table. Senior Maverick King (6-0, 165) and sophomores Kendryc Davidson (5-10, 180), Ethan Moser (5-9, 155), and Gabe Bledsoe (5-10, 180) will all expect to see some action toting the ball this season. </p>   <p>There is some excitement about everything this group can bring to the huddle and Morrow says there's an opportunity for the coaches to play their strengths into offensive play calling and schemes that come in mid-game adjustments. </p>   <p>“Maverick can do a little bit of everything for us and has had a great offseason. He's also our soccer goalie in the spring and only gave up around 4 goals on the year. Ethan and Gabe both bring some electricity to their game and can be really dangerous in space. Kendryc is a great downhill runner.</p>   <p>The Pioneers will also implement their fullbacks in the running game more so than in years past, but with senior [player_tooltip player_id='1321435' first='Cale' last='Glasgow'] (6-3, 235) who has the agility of a skill position player, it makes the decision easy. Glasgow brings an immense amount of versatility to the backfield in his vision, his ability to be timely in his blocks, and his open-field agility to make guys miss. Senior Jacob Pollett (6-0, 200) will also get extended time at the fullback position while also being a dynamic player on the defensive line.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wide Receiver</h2>   <p>Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1515754' first='Talen' last='Foree'] (6-0, 155) and Grant McDonald (6-1, 155) will be roaming out wide, both bringing an immense amount of talent and senior leadership to the position. Foree is a returning starter on both offense and defense, while McDonald has shown solid hands and physicality in 50/50 situations this offseason. </p>   <p>Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1353145' first='Camden' last='Cline'] (5-11, 165), [player_tooltip player_id='1353142' first='Joshua' last='Keener'] (5-10, 160), and Gabe Bledose project to battle for the flanker positions. Cline and Keener have both recently received offers from Lyon College and Bledsoe is one of the prestigious baseball recruits in the Arkansas 2027 class.</p>   <p>Junior Colin McCuiston (5-10, 150) will be another name to watch, according to Morrow, “he's been a guy that has led by example, runs great routes, and has great hands. Colin has become a guy that others look to when they are unsure of what is being asked of them. He's improved drastically from his sophomore to junior year."</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Offensive Line</strong></h2>   <p>The Pioneer offensive line unit is pretty well set besides finalizing the starter center. Sophomore Brody Fulbright (6-3, 245) will line up at quick tackle, junior Dan Patterson (6-1, 240) projects to be the starter at quick guard, strong guard will be sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1152120' first='Bryce' last='Smith'] (6-4, 315), and junior [player_tooltip player_id='1748691' first='Dalton' last='Lee'] (6-5, 320) will line up at strong tackle. According to Morrow, “Brody is a country-strong type of player, he's also had good showings at college camps this offseason.” </p>   <p>Smith projects to be the leader in terms of production on the offensive line and has gained an immense amount of collegiate attention from schools like Arkansas, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss. “He's as strong as an ox and has an angry side to his playing style”, says Morrow, “I expect him and Brody to skyrocket up recruiting boards as we get through this season.”</p>   <p>At the tight end position, senior Noah Kelley (6-2, 230) will be the starting tight end and will be a great safety blanket for Bentz underneath the formation. "Noah is a great blocker with solid hands in the passing game. I think he's dropped one ball all summer long and it would've been a tough grab by his shoelaces."</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center"><span style="text-decoration: underline">DEFENSE</span></h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defensive Line</h2>   <p>According to defensive coordinator Nick Palese, Jacob Pollett comes into the 2024 season with high expectations, “he's going to have a great year for us on the defensive front”. Morrow also tabs him as possibly the best defensive lineman in the 5A-East.</p>   <p>“He played a little as a sophomore and both ways as a junior but he's going to be a primary guy for us on the defensive front with some occasional spells at fullback”, Morrow states. </p>   <p>Senior Tristan Martin (5-10, 235) is a two-year starter at the nose guard position, and according to Morrow he's a program kid and has earned the respect of his teammates strictly from his hard work ethic. “Tristan doesn't say a whole lot but he works as hard as anyone on our team. He reminds me a lot of former Pioneer Kody Headley. He just does things the right way.” Senior Rylan Wycough (5-10, 190) and [player_tooltip player_id='1152120' first='Bryce' last='Smith'] will also be making their presence felt on the defensive line.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Linebacker</h2>   <p>According to Morrow, this is where the Pioneers will experience the greatest amount of growing pains throughout the season, “we're starting fresh after having a great senior-led linebacker corps from last year.” Senior Rafael Thomas (6-2, 180) will be a starter at outside backer, while never playing football before the spring, he has taken to the sport like a duck in water, according to Morrow. He comes into the position not having any bad habits, an impressive amount of athleticism, and great coachability. </p>   <p>At the inside spots, [player_tooltip player_id='1618896' first='Rourke' last='Sevier'] (So. 5-8, 170) expects to be the mainstay while Kendryc Davidson and Ethan Moser will be splitting snaps because of their need on the offensive side of the ball. Senior Will Kimmer (6-1, 165) will help out at the outside linebacker position. “I call him PBR because of his bull riding hobby, but he will help us on the outside. He's a tough kid that brings an edge to our defense.”</p>   <p>Sophomore Jake Daugherty (6-3, 175) has also shown promise at the outside linebacker spot this offseason with great potential as the years go on. </p>   <p>“Rourke has shown great leadership this offseason and has quickly become a model for his class,” says Palese, “he's a tough player, doesn't have any hesitancy of taking on blocks, and is taking impressive angles right now with great discipline with his eyes.” </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defensive Back</h2>   <p>Morrow could not withhold his excitement about the secondary this season, “as of right now, we are looking more solid than any season I've been here in our secondary.”</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1515754' first='Talen' last='Foree'] will be a returning defender for the defense but has been battling a heel spur this offseason, however, he projects to be ready for the scrimmage. [player_tooltip player_id='1353142' first='Joshua' last='Keener'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1353145' first='Camden' last='Cline'] will also play pivotal roles in the defensive secondary. According to Palese, “Camden has a great knack for the ball in the air and takes great angles for athletic plays.”</p>   <p>Morrow says expectations are also high for Keener, “he looks to be a potential all-state player. He's one of the hardest-hitting guys we have on the team and one of the toughest kids we have.”</p>   <p>Junior Mishael Garcia (5-5, 145) and sophomore Xavier Pierce (5-10, 145) project to battle out for one of the cornerback spots. Pierce is a defensive player college coaches should tab for the 2027 class, he is exhibiting a great amount of athleticism with impressive length and speed as a sophomore. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Special Teams</h2>   <p>It's no secret that Batesville holds one of the better weapons in the form of a kicker in [player_tooltip player_id='731120' first='Jackson' last='Elam'] (Jr. 5-11, 175), “once we cross the 50-yard line we're already in scoring range”, Morrow states, “With the pressure of missing and the guys running gassers to close out practice he put a 55-yarder down the pipe to send everyone to the ice cream, thanks to Chip Rayford.”</p>   <p>Elam will also handle the punting duties, a skill he has continued to excel in at a rapid pace over the past year. </p>   <p>Overall, Elam is the best kicker in his class and arguably the best kicker in all of the state of Arkansas, bringing in significant collegiate interest across the country. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Scrimmage and Non-Conference Preview</h2>   <p>The Pioneers will scrimmage at Greenbrier, who opens up at 7th in Redzone's preseason 5A rankings. Morrow is excited about what a tough opponent will bring for his guys, “we have a tough scrimmage, but we're excited about it. Greenbrier is a team that will make us earn what we get and we're going to learn some valuable lessons against a quality 5A playoff team.”</p>   <p>The Pioneers will open up the regular season with Searcy, Newport, and Southside all of which will be circled games by the fanbase to go into the bye week before conference play begins. The Pioneers head ball coach loves the outlook of what he is going to be able to learn about his team and what they are going to learn to get ready for conference play. </p>   <p>“We're starting off with three big-time rivals, we have played Searcy for as long as I can remember and it is always a great game with them. We're definitely preparing for week 0 and the Lions right now, that's the only game that matters to us.” </p>   <p>Although week 0 is primed in the forefront of their minds, looking ahead is a quality everyone obtains and it's no different for coaches. Having two tough road games to finish out the non-conference slate will provide the team an opportunity to play in tough environments before they jump into 5A-East play, according to Morrow.</p>   <p>“We're excited about those road environments, you won't find any better atmospheres throughout the state than those two road games.” The two games Morrow is discussing are Newport and Southside, both local rivals. The Batesville/Newport rivalry is one of rich tradition and high prestige, this year's meeting will be the 99th overall between the two schools.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">5A-East Preview</h2>   <p>The 5A-East is back to being the 5A-(b)East this season with no team showing any signs of being a “gimme” win. According to Morrow part of the difficulty lies in the fact there is so much offensive diversity in terms of what to prepare for week in and week out, “from Paragould's single wing, Nettleton's spread, and Harding Academy's ability to beat you in different facets and speeds it makes preparation that much harder each week.” </p>   <p>The 5A-East is a monster with Paragould on the up-tick, Harding Academy entering the conference, and Brookland being on the cusp of making the playoffs last season added to the fact there are still perennial powers like Wynne, Valley View, and Nettleton. Ultimately the four teams that will represent the East in the playoffs will be more than battle-tested to make a respectable run to War Memorial in December. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Overview</h2>   <p>With about 50-60 kids on the current roster, just as is the case for every team across the state, depth will play a major part for the Pioneers. “We're comfortable with our front 11 but if we have to shuffle the deck it will be a big factor for us this season. If we're able to stay healthy I expect us to win quite a few football games.”</p>   <p>Morrow says because of the perception from the public and the region of the state he's excited about the Pioneers season, “I really am excited about this year, everyone thinks we're down but you couldn't tell our kids that.” </p>   <p>Morrow also understands last year's performance will need to be an anomaly in regards to the standard that has been set in the Pioneer program, “three wins ain't it. We know that. Our players know that. We are working our hardest to preach our standard of excellence. We work too hard not to reach it, we have too great of community support not to reach it. We're going to right the ship.”</p>   <p>This year is going to be a fight and it's not going to be easy, however, Morrow understands the mission is bigger than football. “What I love about this sport is just how much it resembles life. Life isn't easy. Football isn't easy. You're sore, you're tired, but even as adults we have a job to do day in and day out. We're teaching our kids that self-discipline is the best discipline”. </p>   <p>Whatever the outlook of the ones outside the program, Morrow and the staff believe they're in for a ride this season, every football season is faced with waves of adversity but one thing is determined for this year's team, “A Pioneer Never Quits”. </p>

“Tradition Never Graduates” is a phrase that is held dear in the Pioneer program. As I walked through the historical Pioneer Fieldhouse my eyes could not help but be enticed by the countless 5A-East conference championship banners hanging on the walls, pictures of former Pioneers to play at the next level, and the overall tradition that embodies that of the Pioneer program