Charles Chaney
Student Sports Media
Sometimes the scoreboard can be misleading and for the Butler Grizzlies’ defense, that was no more emphasized than on Saturday, Sept 10., in their 36-34 win over Coffeyville.
The Grizzlies’ defense limited a Red Ravens’ offense that had been averaging 406 yards per game to only 254 yards.
“Our defense really came through for us tonight,” Butler Head Coach Tim Schaffner.
All night long, the Butler defense brought the key defensive stops. They held Coffeyville to only 1-of-14 on third down.
Sophomore Octavious Morgan had a key pass break up in the third quarter as Coffeyville was driving. Coffeyville quarter Coleman Key tried to fit it into the arms of receiver Malik Stanley, and Stanley never quit, fighting tough and when the two players hit the ground, the ball never found possession, falling incomplete.
“It’s great having those Octavious [Morgan] and Fontez [Davis] on each side is a benefit for us,” Schaffner said. “It really provides a level of comfort for us.”
The Red Raven defense decided to show up early as they had an interception return for a touchdown. Coffeyville Darreon Jackson had a 72-yard interception return for a touchdown off an sophomore Easton Bruere pass.
On the ensuing possession, the Ravens’ Ferrod Gardner had a 37-yard fumble return for another score and like that, Coffeyville had taken a 14-7 lead with 9:56 remaining in the first quarter.
“Coach told us not to worry about that play,” said sophomore Kevon Abrams. “Just move forward from the mistakes and we did that.”
Abrams responded to give Butler the lead with an 80-yard dash to put Butler up 17-14 with 5:15 remaining in the first quarter.
“All the hard work paid off,” said Abrams.
Abrams finished with 244 yards on 22 carries and two key touchdowns. Sophomore Tony Jones caught Coffeyville running back Antawn Barksdale in the end zone for the safety, putting Butler up 19-14 early in the second quarter.
After Coffeyville took a 27-22 lead with 14:45 to start the second half, the Grizzlies showed their frustration on the following possession. Butler quarterback, freshman David Isreal found freshman C.J. Sims between two defenders for the quick strike from 46 yards to give Butler the lead.
After forcing the Red Ravens to punt once again, Abrams shot through the heart of the defense for a 77-yard scamper and Butler jumped in front 36-27 with 8:17 left in the third quarter.
Key eventually seemed to wear down after getting hit play-after-play. A big Butler rush hit Key as he was in the pocket, and the ball sailed off its intended mark and into the arms of Elijah West with 19 seconds remaining to seal the deal.
“We wanted to put pressure on the quarterback because he wasn’t mobile at all,” said freshman Kaman Cooper Jr. “We got pressure on him and forced him to throw bad passes.”
With the victory, Butler jumps up to No. 2 in the latest NJCAA rankings. It is their highest ranking since Oct. 20, 2015 when Butler was No. 1.