Story by: Kalon Fullerton - Butler Athletics
The Butler Grizzlies saw their comeback bid fall just short in the 95th meeting between the Grizzlies and the Coffeyville Red Ravens, 35-21 at BG Products Veterans Sports Complex on Saturday, on a day that saw the Grizzlies honor their 1981 national championship winning team.
The Grizzlies offense sputtered in the first half, moving the chains just twice and recording just 93 yards of offense. The Ravens scored touchdowns on their first two drives, but the defense kept them scoreless in the second quarter to keep the game close at halftime.
The Grizzlies came out of the locker room with new life, moving the ball down the field and scoring on their first drive, as sophomore quarterback Gavin Screws found Trey Echols with 11:48 in the third for 12 yards to halve the deficit.
"We started to execute better, we started to take advantage of what the defense gave us." head coach Tim Schaffner said of his offensive's second half execution.
The Grizzlies battled both turnovers and penalties and kept themselves in the game, cutting a 21 point lead down to just seven late in the second half.
Screws finished the game with three touchdowns and 17 completions for 286 yards. Daevon Robinson led the way with seven catches for 157 yards and a 78 yard touchdown. A 46 yard touchdown by Karter Johnson got the Grizzlies to within a touchdown halfway through the fourth quarter, but a late 82 yard touchdown run by Coffeyville's Star Johnson would seal the deal late.
Butler (2-2) will look to bounce back on the road next Saturday as they travel to face the Highland Scotties in a 1:00pm kick at Porter Family Stadium in Highland, KS.
Series notes: The Red Ravens take a five game lead in the all-time leading 49-44-2... Since 2000, Butler 24 of the last 28 games, but are 4-4 with the Red Ravens since 2014...The Grizzlies fall another game behind in games played in El Dorado now 22-24-1 against Coffeyville and are 3-2 in games played at BG Products Veterans Sports Complex.
