hard-fought battle won in last instances

In a low-scoring opposition, between Butler Community College Grizzlies and Iowa Central Community College Tritons, the Grizzlies escaped with a 7-3 victory on Saturday, Nov. 16. The game remained a defensive standoff until the closing seconds, when Butler punched in the game-winning touchdown with just five seconds remaining. 

The game started as a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to find offensive momentum. Iowa Central’s Jawarren Corbin made an early impact, intercepting a pass in the first quarter, but penalties and a strong Butler defense kept the Tritons from capitalizing. In the Grizzlies second drive, with the first play redshirt freshman quarterback  Mason McHugh completed a 10-yard pass to redshirt freshman receiver Da'Realyst Clark. 

However, a series of unsuccessful plays highlighted by a sack resulting in a 14-yard loss forced sophomore punter Chevy Edwards to punt the ball 36 yards. Both teams had a couple of drives that resulted in punts and the official signaled half time.  

The start of the third quarter commenced with the Tritons’ quarterback throwing an interception to freshman defensive back Gerard Reed II , that gave the Grizzlies a short field. They had couple of plays but were unable to score and settled for a field goal, missed by sophomore kicker Aidan Battle. 

The defensive struggle continued in the second half, with both teams relying on their special teams and field position. Iowa Central had a chance to take the lead early in the third quarter, but a field goal attempt was blocked. Butler’s Battle missed another field goal attempt, keeping the game scoreless into the fourth quarter. 

Iowa Central finally broke through late in the fourth, when kicker Nolan Gustafson nailed a 40-yard field goal with just under two minutes to play. The Tritons led 3-0 and looked poised to pull off the upset. 

Facing a three-point deficit with 1:56 on the clock, Butler’s offense came alive. The freshman quarterback Jayson Zardavet hit redshirt sophomore receiver Daveon Walker for a clutch 43-yard pass to reach Iowa Central territory. A targeting penalty moved the ball even closer, setting up the Grizzlies at the 30-yard line. 

With time running out, Zardavet drove Butler to the 2-yard line. On first-and-goal, he powered into the end zone on a quarterback sneak with just five seconds remaining. Battle’s extra point made it 7-3. Iowa Central had one last play but couldn’t generate a response, sealing the win for the Grizzlies. 

The Grizzlies will host their last regular season game opposing Coffeyville on Saturday, Nov 23. They are looking to maintain their two-game win streak.