Story by Clarck Lebou and Lehener Arsenio
The Butler Grizzlies defeated an opponent they know so well, Highland CC. In an epic conference opposition last Saturday, Oct. 12, the Grizzlies displayed poise and resiliency, winning against their conference foe, 16-10.
It was an away game, so the atmosphere was very hostile. With a crowd cheering their home team, the Grizzlies needed to count on each other for this victory.
In the first quarter Butler marched down the field 52 yards in seven plays and ended up with a field goal by sophomore kicker Aidan Battle. The next drive was Higland's, but a series of penalties would leave them scoreless. It would be the same for the Grizzlies for the rest of the quarter, but would eventually score on another field goal by Battle in the second quarter. Higland wanted this win and made plays that showed character; however, their inability to convert these amazing plays into touchdowns resulted in them being down. The second quarter came to an end, and they kicked a field goal. At halftime, the score was 6-3; both teams were unsuccessful getting into the endzone.
The third quarter began with Highland's drive, which included a series of passes from Gunnar Smith, including a 23-yard completion to Myles Murphy and a 17-yarder to Demitrius Alexandre, advancing them to Butler's 36-yard line. Highland continued their offensive pressure scoring a touchdown, Murphy scoring on a 5-yard rush. The successful extra point put Highland ahead 10-6.
Butler couldn't break through Highland's defense. Ultimately, a 29-yard punt from sophomore hunter Chevy Edwards left Highland starting their drive on the 8-yard line.
Highland struggled on their ensuing possession, gaining just nine yards before punting back to Butler. With a little over two minutes left in the quarter, Butler capitalized on a solid drive, featuring a 42-yard touchdown pass from Jayson Zardavets to sophomore wide receiver Nick Brown, bringing the score to 13-10 in favor of Butler at the 35-second mark.
The fourth quarter opened with Highland in possession at their own 35-yard line. After a short series of plays, including an interception by Butler’s Jalen Jones, a freshman defensive back, Highland found themselves on the Butler side of the field but failed to capitalize, resulting in another turnover.
Butler continued to struggle and fumbled the ball, giving the possession back to Highland. Butler put on a solid defensive effort, preventing Highland from finding the end zone and turned the ball over on downs. The game finished with Butler leading, 16-10
After winning against Highland, the Grizzlies went on to lose against the Garden City Broncbusters, 21-10, on Saturday, Oct. 19.