Charles Chaney & Zack Grossnickle
Sports Editor & Student Sports Media
A 56-yard interception return is all the scoring we saw as previously winless Iowa Central stunned the Butler Grizzlies in their season finale on Saturday, Nov. 11 at BG Products Veterans Sports Complex, 7-0.
Even with the loss, the Grizzlies finished tied for in the Jayhawk Conference with Garden City. Both teams finished 5-2 within the conference. Independence won the Jayhawk Conference for the first time since 1977.
While being tackled, sophomore Chris Helbig made a very poor pass to running back Isaiah Truss which was read and picked off and ran back for a touchdown by number five Jackson Martens.
Butler trailed Iowa Central 7-0 at the half.
While Butler’s defense was suffocating, it was the offense that was unable to move the football. The offense only once found themselves inside the red zone, then sophomore wide receiver CJ Sims fumbled at the one-yard line, leading to a Tritons’ fumble recovery in the end zone.
“I am glad I came to Butler,” sophomore linebacker Charlie Benton. “I wasn’t going to do it, but glad I did it. I’ve seen myself change a lot.”
Iowa Central managed only 83 yards of offense all evening, it was their defense that limited the Grizzlies. Butler only finished with 239 yards of offense and managed more punts (9) than first downs (8).
“Not a lot you can do,” Benton said. “We tried to strip the ball but in the end, that’s all we can do.”
Iowa Central ended their 25-game losing streak, which was understood to be the longest in NJCAA football. It was Iowa Central’s first win since Oct. 10, 2015.
According to the Butler Athletic Department, it is the first time since Oct. 21, 1978 against Highland, the Butler Grizzlies have been shut out at home. Highland won that game 12-0.
The loss knocked the Grizzlies out of a bowl game. Previously ranked No. 7, the loss to Iowa Central dropped Butler down to No. 15 in the final NJCAA rankings. With the loss, it allowed other teams, most likely conference foe, Garden City into a bowl game. Garden City was invited to the Heart of Texas Bowl against Trinity Valley.
Sophomore Will Honas led the Grizzlies’ defense with 12 tackles. Sophomore Spencer Clayborn had eight tackles and freshman Troy Dipre had nine tackles.
These sophomores finish 15-8 during their two years at Butler. After a tumultuous season last year, the Grizzlies rebounded well, moving to as high as No. 7 in the rankings after falling out mid-season.