In a commanding performance on Saturday, Sept. 14 the Butler Grizzlies cruised to a 41-6 victory over the Independence Pirates at Emmot Field. The Grizzlies, now 2-1, made a statement in their third game of the season, excelling on both sides of the ball and shutting down the Pirates’ offense.
The Grizzlies opened the game with a strong defense posture in the first quarter. Butler blocked a 20-yard field goal attempt by Independence's Mario Ventura. With the defensedoing its job, the offense took advantage and capitalized with Zeric Avery, sophomore defensive back, scooping the ball and returning it for a 60-yard touchdown, putting Butler up 7-0 after a successful extra point
In the second quarter, Independence managed to score a touchdown from a 25-yard pass quarterback Isaiah Nathanie to wide receiver Nathan Owens. Although they missed the field goal attempt. The Grizzlies responded swiftly with quarterback Mason McHugh, freshman,connected with wide receiver DeAndre Beasley, freshman wide receiver, for a 9-yard touchdown pass, extending lead to 14. The second quarter finished with a Butler lead of 14-6.
Butler’s defense continued to dominate, forcing multiple punts and shutting down Independence’s attempts to generate momentum. Defensive linemen Seven Cloud and Kenton Simmons each contributed key sacks, putting constant pressure on Nathanie.
The third quarter saw Butler extend their lead when running back Markellus Bass, a freshman running back, broke free for a 53-yard touchdown run. With the field goal attempt good, making the score 21-6. A 29-yard field goal by Aidan Battle, a sophomore kicker, shortly after pushed the lead to 24-6. The Grizzlies’ defense remained relentless, not allowing the Pirates to score or make any meaningful threats
In the fourth quarter, McHugh made another incredible touchdown pass to Braelyn Dillard, a sophomore tight end, for 25 yards, increasing Butler’s lead to 31-6. A late field goal by Battle and a 20-yard touchdown pass from McHugh to Jaylin Williams, freshman wide receiver,sealed the game at 41-6.
The Pirates struggled for the rest of the quarter and couldn’t find a rhythm offensively, due to the strong Butler defense. The game finished with an impressive win for Butler at 41-6.
The win improves Butler’s record to 2-1. The Grizzlies will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next matchup against the Coffeyville Ravens in El Dorado at 7 p.m.