BATAVIA – Josh Kahley’s first varsity game action came with extraordinary, meaningful snaps on the line.

It wasn’t in a blowout in September.

Kahley, now a junior defensive back, entered last season’s Class 7A state championship loss to Mount Carmel after an injury to standout special teams ace and defensive back Drew Gerke on a first-quarter kickoff.

After another series or two, Kahley was thrust into action. He had been elevated to the varsity roster when the postseason started as a depth piece – third or fourth on the depth chart.

The 6-foot-1, 170-pounder now can channel that game experience as he heads into his first season starting at cornerback.

“I feel a lot more ready because I switched from safety to corner,” Kahley said. “It’s a big difference. A lot bigger than people realize. I’ve got a whole year training at just corner, so I feel a lot more ready.”

Kahley joins a defensive backfield headlined by senior Kyle Porter, who had 29 tackles, six passes defensed and one interception in seven games last year, and senior Brandon Redmond.

“Safety, it’s a lot more run-focused,” Kahley said. “Corner, you’re on an island. It’s a lot of pressure on you. Safety, you’ve got a lot of room [to react].”

Kahley, slated to wear No. 23, wants fans to see a player who is “always hustling”.

“Not afraid to guard anyone, always looks confident out there and just a lock-down corner,” Kahley said.

Linebacker RJ Bohr ready to go for Batavia

Wearing the No. 7 jersey for Batavia carries significant weight.

Tyler Jansey, the 2022 Kane County Chronicle Football Player of the Year, gave that number a reputation worthy of high expectations over the past three seasons.

RJ Bohr, a junior, now has pen in hand to write his own chapter in the numeral’s lore.

“Tough” is an adjective the 5-foot-11, 200-pounder hopes fans in the stands associate with the number and his name.

“[Fans] are going to see me as a really hard hitter,” Bohr said Aug. 10. “That’s what I’ve been my entire life. I’m going to give it 100% of my all on the field. They’re not going to see me going 50% on a play. Ever. I’m just going to give it 100% every time.”

Bohr played spot minutes at fullback last year. Defense is now his home. Southern Illinois commit Ben Fiegel is the lone starting returner for the Bulldogs.

“We’ve prepared for this,” Bohr said. “I’m ready for anything that comes toward my way.”

“He’s really helped me stay in this football mindset,” Bohr said of Fiegel. “He keeps everyone in check. That includes the entire team because he’s a pretty good [team] captain.”

Batavia opens the season at home against Chicago Phillips on Aug. 25. Kickoff is 7 p.m.

The Bulldogs’ enthusiasm for their quest to get back to state is brimming.

“I’m out of my mind pumped,” Bohr said. “Every day at practice, I just come here ready to hit someone. All my teammates are pumped, too. They always come here 100% [ready to go].”