The Heritage Hills varsity football team (Lincoln City, IN) will host a home playoff game against Batesville (IN) on Friday, November 22, at 6:30 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 IHSAA Football State Tournament, presented by the Indianapolis Colts, in the Class 3A bracket.

What: Indiana High School Football
Who: Heritage Hills (IN) vs Batesville (IN)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 IHSAA Football State Tournament presented by the Indianapolis Colts – Class 3A State Tournament
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Batesville vs. Heritage Hills: Team Comparisons and Key Insights

The upcoming matchup between Batesville and Heritage Hills is set to be an exciting clash of strengths and strategies. Both teams have had impressive seasons, boasting strong records, efficient offenses, and reliable defenses. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their performances so far.

Team Records & Rankings

• Batesville Bulldogs
  • Record: 9-3 overall, 3-1 in conference play
  • Home/Away: 5-1 at home, 4-2 on the road
  • State Ranking: 45th overall, 5th in class
  • Points For (PF): 355
  • Points Against (PA): 241
  • Winning Percentage: .750
• Heritage Hills Patriots
  • Record: 12-1 overall, 5-0 in conference play
  • Home/Away: Undefeated at home (8-0), 4-1 on the road
  • State Ranking: 23rd overall, 1st in class
  • Points For (PF): 517
  • Points Against (PA): 132
  • Winning Percentage: .923

Scoring Averages

Heritage Hills has been dominant offensively, averaging 39.8 points per game (PPG) compared to Batesville’s 29.6 PPG. Breaking it down by quarters:

• Batesville: Consistent scoring throughout, averaging 7-8 points per quarter.
• Heritage Hills: Explosive in the first half, particularly in the second quarter (15.5 points), but tapers off in the fourth quarter (2.7 points).

Statistical Comparisons

Offense

• Rushing Yards Per Game:
  Heritage Hills has the edge with 231.3 yards compared to Batesville’s 176.8.
• Passing Yards Per Game:
  Batesville leads with 149.9 yards, showcasing a more balanced offensive attack compared to Heritage Hills’ 115.9 yards.
• Total Yards Per Game:
  Heritage Hills narrowly outpaces Batesville, 347.2 to 326.7.

Defense

• Tackles Per Game:
  Both teams are closely matched, with Heritage Hills averaging 54.1 tackles and Batesville at 52.4.
• Sacks Per Game:
  Heritage Hills’ pass rush is slightly stronger (1.5 sacks vs. 0.9 sacks).
• Points Allowed (PA):
  Heritage Hills has a superior defensive record, allowing only 132 points all season compared to Batesville’s 241.

Key Players

Batesville

• #10 Gage Pohlman: The team’s leading rusher, averaging 102.5 yards per game and contributing 6.0 PPG.
• #12 Will Jaisle: A pivotal figure in the passing game, averaging 149.9 yards per game.
• #5 Damien Dance: Top receiver, averaging 73.3 receiving yards per game.

Heritage Hills

• #3 Jett Goldsberry: The star of the team, leading in rushing (109.1 YPG), passing (115.9 YPG), and scoring (10.8 PPG).
• #8 Tyler Ruxer: Reliable target in the receiving game, averaging 61.4 YPG.
• #50 Parker Hart: Defensive anchor with 6.7 tackles per game.

Commonalities & Differences

• Head-to-Head: This will be the first meeting between these two teams this season.
• Common Opponents: None.
• Playoff Records: Heritage Hills is undefeated in playoff games this season (4-0), while Batesville stands at 3-0.

Strengths & Strategies

Batesville:

• A balanced attack with nearly equal contributions from the rushing and passing games.
• Strong second-half performance, which could prove critical against a team like Heritage Hills that slows down in the fourth quarter.

Heritage Hills:

• Explosive first-half offense and a stout defense that has stifled opponents all season.
• Dominant rushing game led by Jett Goldsberry, who also serves as a dual-threat quarterback.

Conclusion

This game pits Batesville’s balanced offense and consistent scoring against Heritage Hills’ explosive playmaking and suffocating defense. Heritage Hills enters the game as the favorite, bolstered by a near-perfect record and dominance in their class. However, Batesville’s versatility and resilience make them a formidable opponent capable of pulling off an upset.

The matchup promises excitement, with both teams vying for postseason glory. Fans should expect a hard-fought contest with no shortage of highlights!