Bryce Hirayama
Student Sports Media
Going into the game on Saturday, Oct. 12 against Air Force Prep, all seemed to be going wrong for the Grizzlies. In the two weeks prior, the Grizzlies lost not just once but twice after a hard-fought game against the then ranked No. 1 Hutchinson Blue Dragons and a blowout 29-point loss to Independence.
Not only did the Grizzlies lose both games, they also lost their starting Quarterback Steven Frank for the year to a devastating knee injury against Hutchinson. His backup and now starting quarterback for the Grizzlies, Jack Samsel, had a rough debut last week as he threw five Interceptions, which resulted in a loss of 29 points.
The Grizzlies, however, bounced back this week beating Air Force Prep by a score of 27 to zero. Samsel was better this week in a much more limited role as he threw for zero interceptions but only had 62 yards passing on the day.
That was in part because of the Air Force Prep Huskies could not stop the running attack from the Grizzlies all night. The Grizzlies used three different running backs in the game, freshman sensation Brock Sturges as well as freshman Adarius Thomas and sophomore Ivan Webb.
The onslaught attack from all three running backs totaled to 313 yards, rushing and leading the way for the Grizzlies was Thomas who had 123 yards by himself.
The game was a fast paced one as both Air Force Prep and Butler ran the ball heavily throughout the game.
The Butler Grizzlies defense played an intricate part in stopping the highly confusing Wing- T Offense of the Huskies.
Defensive linemen sophomore Quillian Felton and freshman Pereon Allen brought pressure all night holding the Huskies to only 168 yards of total offense and 38 yards rushing.
However, the highlight of the game came in the third quarter with 2:44 to go as explosive return man for the Grizzlies, Jaquez Durham, took a punt 94 yards to the house, sealing the victory in the third by making the score 20-0.
After the victory against Air Force Prep the Grizzlies are now 6-2 on the season and 3-2 in the KJCCC. The Grizzlies next week take on Fort Scott at home on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 7 pm in El Dorado.
Make sure to come out and support your Grizzlies at home, but if you cannot make sure to tune in at 88.1 The Grizz or online at KBTL.Butlercc.edu for full coverage of the game.
