The Butler Grizzlies made a statement on Saturday, winning their first game against Independence since 2018 and their first win at Emmmot Field since 2015, as they led wire to wire in a dominating 27-11 road victory on against the Pirates.
The Grizzly defense was stifling, holding the Pirates to only one offensive touchdown and just 185 yards of offense. Butler gave up just 38 yards on the ground and held the Pirates to 2.5 yards per play, also finishing with two interceptions and three sacks. Chris Rhodes and PJ Caldwell both ended up with picks on the victory.
The Grizzlies got things started early, forcing a punt and then scoring on a two play drive as Jake Wolff found AJ King with a touchdown pass. Caldwell's interception came on special teams as Indy's punter attempted a pass after a bad snap forced him into making a quick decision. He ended up throwing up the ball that was picked off and returned into the end zone by Caldwell and suddenly the Grizzlies were ahead by two touchdowns in what seemed to be just a matter of minutes. Azhaun Dingle punched in a rushing touchdown to extend the lead and Carson Ardnt drilled a 38 and 50 yard field goal in the second half to cement the victory.
Wolff played well again, finishing 12-24 with 176 yards and a touchdown. King played sensationally again with six catches and 61 yards with a touchdown. Dingle carried the ball 12 times for 79-yards and a touchdown. Jaisean McMillian and Paris Brown also carried the ball with McMillian going for 53 yards on nine carries as Brown totaled 47 yards on 14 carries on the night.
Defensively, the Grizzlies were relentless. McPherson native Mason Thrash led the team in tackles from his linebacker position finishing with eight total tackles and one for loss. Malik Berry and Caleb Foster both had six tackles in the game. Berry had a sack, two tackles for loss and two pass breakups while Foster finished with 2.5 tackles for loss. Devaca Parks recovered a fumble while Chris Rhodes and PJ Caldwell both finished the game with interceptions.
Butler special teams were key in the win with Adam Young flipping the field a number of times punting. He put two inside the 20 and had a long of 49-yards. Carson Arndt nailed two big field goals in the second half that provided a cushion as he knocked down a 38-yarder and a 50-yarder on the night.
Butler improves to 3-1 on the year and will hope to improve on this huge win when they return home next Saturday for a game against non-conference opponent McDougle Technical Institute (FL) at 1:30pm at BG products Veterans Sports Complex.
