Game was a tale of two halves. In the first, Catholic didn't look like it belonged on the field with Butler. Their D line was simply getting mashed with Butler averaging 7-10 yds. a play. Fortunately for Catholic, Butler was long fielded, had no big plays but did sustain long drives. At halftime, Butler's punter still had the cleanest uniform in the house and it looked like he wouldn't need to shower at the end of the game. The 21-7 score was deceptively close and a running clock looked like a potential. In the 2nd half, Butler went to sleep and momentum turned. Catholic started to effectively run the ball. The defense bowed up, got some sacks, made some stops and Butler got to use their punter. Butler made some penalties and had a couple of turnovers. As is typical Catholic football, Butler got punished for it. Catholic tied it 21-21 early in the 4th quarter. Keffer Stadium is pretty confined and the noise level had become a factor. Butler was clearly on their heels. Catholic was driving and actually inside Butler's 30 with less than 4 minutes to go. Their FG kicker had connected from 45 yds already this year and was just about in range. Then Catholic made the uncharacteristic mistakes, a penalty and a turnover. Butler then put together about a 65 yard drive and scored with less than a minute left. Credit to the Butler offense for making the plays when it mattered as they had done nothing the entire 2nd half.
Net, net neither team played a complete game. You hate to lose any game, especially one that appeared to be in your grasp. However, I am proud that Cougars bowed up and didn't fold their tents in the 2nd half as many teams would have. The game was great for the fans but both coaching staffs will have a lot to work on this week. Butler's first half makes them a contender. Their second half would send them home early in the playoffs. Catholic will not be an easy out for anyone. They are a team no one want to meet in the playoffs but they will now have to hit the road with a middle to low seed playing with the big boys in 4A.
Three players from Butler really stood out. Butler's QB, Brower is a true run, pass threat with extremely quick feet. Made some plays out of nothing several times. A problem for anyone. Their defense was stout. No. 9, a 280 lb. defensive tackle looks like he is ready to play on Saturday now. Chambers, a free safety, was all over the field getting his name called out repeatedly. Almost like their were three of them and he made the key interception at the end of the game. All three are seniors and Catholic fans will be very happy to see these young men graduate this year. Best of luck to both teams as the "2nd season" starts in a couple of weeks.
