Matthew Will
Student Sports Media
Butler had suffered a tough loss to rival Coffeyville coming into Saturday. However, the task would get no easier as the season continued. No. 4 Iowa Western was set to visit the Grizzlies Saturday, Sept. 16, who are receiving votes in the current NJCAA polls.
Butler took advantage of Reiver turnovers, getting interceptions on back-to-back drives and turning them into points. Sophomore running back Kevon Abrams scored first on a 17-yard pass from sophomore quarterback Chris Helbig. Minutes later, Helbig ran out of the pocket and found wide open sophomore wide receiver Kendall Stewart for a 57-yard strike to go up 14-0.
Many empty possessions led to a lack of scoring until about halfway through the second quarter when Iowa Western put up seven to make it a 14-7 game. Minutes before the first half ended, the Reivers scored yet missed the extra point attempt. The game would stay 14-13 to the break.
The Grizzlies wasted no time, coming out and scoring four plays into their drive off a 54-yard run by Abrams. The 21-13 lead would stay true until the six-minute mark in the fourth when Iowa Western scored to make it 21-19. The Grizzlies would survive and win by that margin.
“[Sophomore linebackers] Will [Honas] and Charlie [Benton] did a great job,” Coach Tim Schaffner said. “They have such good football IQ… so they’ve got a chance of being successful with that.”
Helbig only threw for 120 yards, a ways under their season average, and two touchdowns. Eight different Grizzlies recorded rushing yards on Saturday, Abrams leading the way. Abrams ran for 159 yards on 27 attempts, including the 54-yard touchdown.
“It’s great to see [Abrams] have such great success,” Schaffner said. “He’s worked really hard at it.”
Iowa Western’s starting quarterback, Kurt Walding, had two interceptions and only one completion, leading to the end of his day, giving Kai Locksley a chance. Locksley threw for 201 yards and ran for 36. Wide receiver Mike Hill had 86 receiving yards for the Reivers, leading all wide receivers.
Butler looks to move up in the rankings in the following weeks due to their success. They continued the 2017 campaign on Saturday, Sept. 23, at Dodge City. Dodge City is ranked and is expected to put up a fight as always.
