Story by: Kalon Fullerton Butler Athletics
The Butler Grizzlies bounced back following a tough loss against rivals Coffeyville last weekend, going on the road and defeating the Highland Scotties 41-7 at Porter Family Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
With the win, the Grizzlies improve to 3-2 on the year tied for third in the KJCCC alongside Garden City. The Grizzlies also remain unbeaten on the road, winning their second game away from home this year.
After a fumble on the opening drive that led to an early Scotties touchdown, Darius Lassiter caught a 19-yard pass from Gavin Screws, and KJ Shankle found the end zone from two yards on the ground, and the Grizzlies dominated the rest of the way. Butler took a 20-7 lead into the half and never looked back, scoring 41 unanswered points, and totaling almost 500 yards of total offense on the day.
Lassiter led the way offensively, totaling five catches for 104 yards and one touchdown. Screws and Jacob Knight both threw for more than 100 yards and they each found the end zone through the air. The Grizzlies combined for four rushing touchdowns and 222 yards on the ground, as Jordan Kempf and Kevontae McDonald both ran for more than 60 yards.
It was a complete performance on the defensive end, too. The Grizzlies shut out the Scotties offense in the second half and gave up just one touchdown, limiting Highland to just 137 total yards for the game. Butler dominated on the offensive line, giving up just 45 rushing yards and sacking the quarterback twice. Kevon Angry and Jaxon Gibbs both had interceptions in the contest while Nickendre Stiger and Mason Thrash led the way defensively with six tackles each. Stiger had a pss breakup and Thrash had a sack in the game.
Butler will return to BG Products Veteran Sports Complex next Saturday, October 16th for a 1:00 pm kickoff, as they host the McDougle Technical Institute Bison. That day will also be the induction of legendary former Grizzlies head coach Troy Morrell who will be inducted into the Butler Athletic Hall of Fame during halftime of the game.
NOTES: The Grizzlies have now won the last nine meetings and they extend their lead in the all-time series 35-11-1 vs. the Scotties... Since 1979, the Grizzlies have won 27 of the last 29 games over Highland…137 yards allowed is the fewest the Grizzly defense has alloed since giving up just three yards to Ellsworth during the 2019 season.
