By Brad Greer

The Batesville 8th grade Jr. High Tigers team got its football season off to an impressive start with a 30-0 shutout of Horn Lake Thursday at Dunlap Stadium.

Julius Pope rushed for 154 yards on four carries with touchdown runs of 70 and 30 yards as Batesville led 20-0 at halftime.

Pope was also on the receiving end of a 28-yard scoring strike from quarterback Mykel Allen.

Brandon Pounders added a 40-yard touchdown run in the first quarter as the Tigers chewed up 210 yards rushing. Kaleb Bland chipped in with three carries for 28 yards and four tackles on defense.

Batesville was 4-of-5 passing for 59 yards as Allen completed three passes for 44 yards with Micheal Johnson registered one completion for 15 yards.

Pope reeled in two receptions for 36 yards while Bland and Kellen Norwood added one catch each.

Batesville hosts Tupelo Thursday with the 7th grade starting at 5 p.m followed by the 8th grade contest.