Tyler Godwin
Student Sports Media
The Grizzly defense set a school record on Saturday, Oct 20, with seven interceptions in a 35-14 road victory over the Fort Scott Greyhounds.
Butler came up with five interceptions in the second half, with sophomore cornerback Tay Gowan returning one for a pick-six to open up the third quarter. Both Gowan and sophomore defensive back Robert Hatchett finished with two picks.
The Greyhounds were the first onto the scoreboard with a pick-six of their own when linebacker Dirion Hutchins returned an interception on the second play of the game.
Freshman running back Grahm Roberts scored all of Butler’s offensive touchdowns in a span of three minutes and twenty five seconds in the first quarter. His first touchdown came off a 19-yard run up the middle, finishing off an eight play, 45-yard drive. His next two scores were set up by interceptions from Gowan and freshman linebacker Juwan Mitchell.
The Greyhounds were only able to run two plays on their opening drive of the second half, as Fort Scott backup quarterback Justin Agner was picked off by Gowan. Gowan returned the interception for the first score of the half for Butler, putting the score at 28-7.
“We knew they were going to come out and throw the ball, so we had to step up,” Gowan said. “That’s what we established all week in practice was that they were gonna come air it out.”
Fort Scott’s next two drives also ended in an Agner interceptions, as he was picked off by Hatchett and sophomore linebacker Hunter Kier.
After Hatchett’s interception, the Grizzlies were stopped at the five yard line, but an offsides call on Fort Scott kept the drive going. Butler chose to go for the touchdown, as sophomore running back Ja’Kevious Vickers scampered in for a two yard touchdown, putting the lead at 35-7.
Vickers lead all Grizzlies in rushing with 89 yards off of 21 carries, while Roberts finished with 49 yards off of 15 rushes.
Sophomore defensive end Jordan Smith finished with nine tackles and three sacks.
“It’s weird because we haven’t had a lot of takeaways this season,” Head Coach Tim Schaffner said. “It was a very good effort by our guys.”
