Three times the Grizzlies turned the ball over in the redzone as No. 1-ranked Hutchinson handed Butler their second loss of the season defeating the Grizzlies 41-10 Saturday night in the first game played at BG Products Veterans Sports Complex since November 9th of 2019.
Hutchinson attacked quickly after the Grizzlies gave up a short field in a three and out opening possession. Tye Edwards scored his first of three rushing touchdowns on the night punching it in from seven yards out, just three minutes into the game.
Hutch would get another short field after another three and out for the Butler offense starting at their own 43-yard line. After two firsts downs, Tye Edwards scored for the second time in the game, this time running it in from six yards out.
The Grizzlies got their first points of the game off a 26-yard field goal from John Hankinson early in the second quarter, that would be the Grizzlies lone points of the half. Hutch had an answer after the Grizzlies score as they took back the ensuing kickoff 100-yards for a touchdown and a 21-3 lead.
Butler marched down the field on their next drive but a Nick Davenport interception in the endzone crushed the momentum on that drive. The turnover didn't result in points for the Blue Dragons as quarterback CJ Ogbonna was hit by Shareal Taylor who forced a fumble that was recovered by Caylen Lowery and Butler took over.
Butler's drive was stalled at the Hutchinson 39-yard line and a punt from John Hankinson pinned the Blue Dragons deep as the punt was downed at the 1-yard line.
Hutchinson killed any momentum the Grizzlies had after that great punt responding with a 73-yard rushing touchdown by Anwar Lewis as the clock expired at the half giving Hutch a 28-3 lead going into the break.
Butler would try to cut into the Hutch lead scoring early in the third quarter off a 15-yard pass from Gavin Screws to Darius Lassiter but that would end up being their only touchdown of the night. Butler threatened two other times and both times the Blue Dragons picked off Gavin Screws in the redzone halting their chance of a late comeback.
Hutch scored on back-to-back possessions in the fourth quarter to put the game away and handed the Grizzlies their worst home loss since 1995 and their second straight to open the season.
Butler finished with 364 total yards of offense. Gavin Screws finished the night 11-24 for 201 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Eddie Lewis finished the game with eight receptions for 173 yards. Darius Lassiter had four catches totaling 67 yards and the only touchdown on the night.
The Grizzly defense gave up another big game on the ground as Hutch rushed for 348 yards on the night and threw for 89. Hunter Lee led the way for Butler with 13 tackles in the game. Quae Drake finished with nine tackles and 4.5 for loss. He had the lone sack of the night which was a loss of eight yards.
For the first time since 1995, Butler (0-2, 0-2) starts the season with two losses. They will turn their attention this week to Dodge City (1-1, 0-1) who lost on Saturday to Coffeyville 38-10 as they travel west on Sunday, April 11 for a matchup with the Conquistadors.
