The Batesville Bulldogs were far from full strength, but had enough to knock off a much improved Milan Indian football team.

The Bulldogs led 7-0 at halftime then scored two times in the second half to post a 20-0 win over the visiting Indians.

The Bulldogs were without their starting quarterback and some key personnel on both sides of the ball. Still, coach Eric Heppner and the coaching staff pieced together a solid line-up.

“We had some kids step in a play pretty well for us,” Heppner said. “I was especially happy with the way Chris Miller stepped up on defense. With the absence of Hartman and having Matt Werner out part of the second half, Chris filled in and did a fine job.”

There have not been many close outcomes over the past few years between these two teams, but Heppner had a hunch this time would be different.

“I was concerned about this one,” Heppner said. “We were pretty banged up, but I also knew Milan was a much improved team.”

The Bulldogs got off to a similar start as last week and it appeared this one might be over early.

After an 18 yard carry by Gordon Lang to open the game and one by Werner for six yards on the second play, the Bulldogs were already into Milan territory.

Just like last week, the first time Jeremy Cook touched the ball it turned into six points. Cook took the hand off from quarterback Connor Kelley and scampered 41 yards for the score.

Kicker Andrew Thomas added his first extra point of the season and the Bulldogs were on top 7-0 at the 10:51 mark in the first quarter.

The two teams settled into a defensive struggle over the next 22 minutes and the half ended with Batesville out front 7-0.

Milan pushed the ball into Batesville territory on the first series of the second half, but a sack by Bulldog Adam Meyer put an end to any threat.

Batesville took over on their own 29 yard line. Seven plays later the Bulldogs were in the end zone for a second time.

On fourth down, Bobby Thornsberry took the hand off, made his way 25 yards down the sideline and just into the end zone. A second Thomas extra point made it 14-0.

The final score of the game was a seven yard run by Cook with 5:37 to play in the game.