Huge game coming up as 8-1 (4-1) Independence take on 8-1 (5-0) Butler. Im sure this game will be talk of the town. Should be big turn out of fans. Any thoughts.
Independence vs Butler
- Thread starter Vik-Val 86
- Start date
This is the biggest Butler/Independence game since 2014, ironically that was the last time Independence beat Butler. I think that is the only time Indy has beaten Butler since 2009. Indy dominated the series from 97-08.
I expect a competitive game.
I expect a competitive game.
During the TK era from 2000-20009 Butler won three times. 2007 when Knotts was suspended and the 2009 regular season finale and regional final. The regular season game was played at Indy with pre-paid tickets only. Great atmosphere, great game after Indy getting down huge early. Playoffs one play turned the tide and Butler started to pull away with a strong performance at Providence HS.
Some great games with some big time plays by some big time players. A few of those were surprisingly lopsided (2007 playoff) and really tight.
Football math says Indy takes this one. Catholic stole a game the Patriots should have won. Butler literally took a game that Catholic dominated for three quarters and let slip away. Unfortunately, football math seldom holds up. Pulling for Indy and a chaotic 3 way tie in the conference. Should be a great game. All three teams are ones you don't want to meet in the early rounds of the playoffs and two will probably have to be road warriors.
You could also look at it as Independence played their best and couldn’t get the job done while Butler from an offensive standpoint wasn’t that great and still won. Depends on the perspective but often times football math doesn’t work.
I hate that Butler’s bye was this late because they were flat against Independence last year after the bye. I don’t think it will be as lopsided as last year
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It sounds cliche but this will be about matchups on that day, breaks and turnovers. Butler's defense flat got mashed by Catholics run game. Independence has a pretty potent run game. Catholic moved the ball on Independence via the pass more than the run. Butler can throw the ball effectively. A lot of parity in 4A west this year and if you bring you B game you can get run off the field on a given night by a lot of teams. I expect a close, hard fought contest me as both teams are very well coached, but it could also very easily morph into a blowout for either team.
It’s not cliche, it’s the truth. I don’t normally try to do football math and throw stats, records, scores all that out the window. I just look at how teams and individual players match up on the field. What works on one team might not work on the next team because of a match up. That will normally give you a better idea of how things can go.
I think Catholic mashes most teams with their run attack with that run blocking. The passing game from Catholic this year is what keep teams off balance. I think Butler will do a decent job against Indy’s running attack. This will be the best front seven Indy has seen all year. Butler’s secondary is what I worry about which Indy can exploit if given enough time.
I would like to offer a little praise for Independence Coach DJ McFadden. Before the season began I doubt many people thought Independence would be 8-1 at this time?
Granted they have played a soft schedule, with a couple of exceptions, but at least they have won most of their games by wide margins. And they could have been 9-0, "IF" they had played a little better in the last minute of the Catholic game. (That is not meant to take anything from Catholic, and I know "IF" is kind of a meaningless/useless word. Catholic DID play well enough to win.)
But again, I think Coach McFadden has done an excellent job.
Granted they have played a soft schedule, with a couple of exceptions, but at least they have won most of their games by wide margins. And they could have been 9-0, "IF" they had played a little better in the last minute of the Catholic game. (That is not meant to take anything from Catholic, and I know "IF" is kind of a meaningless/useless word. Catholic DID play well enough to win.)
But again, I think Coach McFadden has done an excellent job.
I knew Indy would be better but not 8-1 better. They had some lean years since Knotts left so it’s good they are on the right track.
Hales > McFadden
Lawrence > Little
Butler D > Indy D
I think butler wins Bc of those 3 points logically speaking..but it’s a rivalry so we may throw logic out the window! Both teams are solid and well coached. Excited this is finally a competitive rivalry again!!!
One thing I will say about watching Butler this year is that some of their personnel
Lawrence > Little
Butler D > Indy D
I think butler wins Bc of those 3 points logically speaking..but it’s a rivalry so we may throw logic out the window! Both teams are solid and well coached. Excited this is finally a competitive rivalry again!!!
One thing I will say about watching Butler this year is that some of their personnel
Personnel could be better to me..but hey I’m a fan for a reason and they are coaches
Right, no longer a snooze fest. Matter of fact the conference is exciting to watch.
Personnel as in players?Personnel could be better to me..but hey I’m a fan for a reason and they are coaches
Looks like some more subjective football math. Great for conversation. Don't bet the house on it. Agree that it is good that this game has some meaning to it. Been a while.
It seems like teams have identified #14 as the weak link in the secondary. Not sure why #7 is not playing over him, he has looked much better in my opinion. Also, #11 should be starting both ways..if he played WR, him and #4 would be the best weapons they have in the outside. #99 should be playing more DL along side #90. Ever since #44 has been out the DL has regressed a little..#44 is real stout up front for them, they have been missing him.
Butler 21 Independence 27
Congratulations to Independence for a good win. I hate having the bye this late for Butler because they came out flat and unmotivated.
Butler gave up a punt return for a TD, a bad punt snap that Indy recovered near the goal line that led to a TD, add in two Zach Lawrence interceptions, and him missing two wide open receivers for a turnover on downs and that’s your ballgame.
Credit to Indy but I put this on the coaches for not having them prepared.
Congratulations to Independence for a good win. I hate having the bye this late for Butler because they came out flat and unmotivated.
Butler gave up a punt return for a TD, a bad punt snap that Indy recovered near the goal line that led to a TD, add in two Zach Lawrence interceptions, and him missing two wide open receivers for a turnover on downs and that’s your ballgame.
Credit to Indy but I put this on the coaches for not having them prepared.