Butler Rolls Over Indy in Conference Opener

INDEPENDENCE, Kan. – Butler football opened conference play with a dominating 41-6 win over the Independence Pirates on Saturday afternoon at Emmot Field.

The Butler (2-1, 1-0 KJCCC) defense was stifling, shutting the Pirates (1-2, 0-1) out in the second half. For the game, Butler allowed just 85 rushing yards to a team that had rushed for 170 or more in both of their previous games. Of of the Pirate's 15 drives, 10 were punts, two were field goal attempts, one was a turnover on downs and one was a fumble recovered by Butler's Ozzy Poage. Independence's lone score of the game was a 25-yard touchdown pass at the 9:55 mark of the second quarter that cut the Grizzly lead to 7-6. Butler went on a 34-0 run the rest of the game

Six Grizzlies finished with five total tackles. Defensive lineman Kenton Simmons added three tackles for loss and two sacks, both career-highs. Defensive back Craig Royal broke up two passes.

Special teams were key again for Butler as the first score of the game came when Grizzly defensive lineman Seven Cloud blocked a Pirate field goal. Defensive back Zeric Avery scooped the ball up and ran it back for a 60-yard touchdown with 4:06 to play in the opening quarter, putting Butler ahead 7-0.

The game moved slowly with 20 total penalties. Independence was called for 14, costing them 153 yards while Butler had six penalties for 72 yards.

Offensively for Butler, quarterback Mason McHugh was 9-of-15 for 116 yards and two touchdowns through the air. He found wide receiver Deandre Beasley for a nine-yard touchdown in the second quarter and tight end Braelyn Dillard for a 15-yard touchdown in the fourth. Mac Armstrong also saw action for Butler at quarterback, finishing 6-of-17 for 91 yards, a touchdown, interception and lost fumble.

Freshman running back Markellus Bass was Butler's leading rusher thanks in part to a 53-yard touchdown run with 8:38 to play in the third quarter, giving Butler a 21-6 lead. Bass finished with 65 yards on the ground on seven carries.

Wide receiver Jaylin Williams hauled in a 20-yard touchdown from Armstrong in the fourth quarter, adding to his team-high tally of four touchdown receptions this season.

Independence quarterback Isaiah Nathaniel was 18-of-33 for 152 passing yards and a touchdown, also rushing seven times for 12 yards. Wide receiver Nathan Owens paced the Pirates with 10 receptions good for 74 yards and a touchdown.

The Grizzlies are set to welcome rival Coffeyville to BG Products Veterans Sports Complex this Saturday, Sept. 21st for a 7 p.m. kickoff. Tickets are available at ButlerGrizzlies.com/Tickets

Notes:

• Butler has won three straight over Indy and lead the all-time series 57-28-3.
• The Grizzlies have outscored opponents 107-6 over the last two games.
• The Grizzlies scored a special teams touchdown for a second consecutive week.
• The six points allowed to Indy was the least Butler has allowed to the Pirates dating back to 2013 when Butler won 79-0 at home.
• Butler is now 3-0 vs. Indy and 2-1 in conference openers under head coach Brice Vignery.
• Redshirt sophomore tight end Braelyn Dillard's touchdown reception was the first Butler passing touchdown caught by a tight end since the 2023 season opener when tight end Dante Daniels caught a 3-yard pass from Tanner Murray at Garden City.
• The 85 rushing yards allowed for Butler was the least since the 2023 season finale vs. Ellsworth when Butler held the Panthers to -17 net yards rushing.