Butler piles up 84 points in road win at Independence

The Butler Grizzlies posted a season-high in points and total yards in an 84-7 thrashing at Independence on Saturday.

The Grizzlies, ranked No. 2 nationally, posted 49 points in the first half and another 35 points in the second half on their way to the lopsided win. It is the third time Butler has scored 60 or more points this season, bettering the 72 points they scored in the season opener at Dodge City.

"It was a good night," Butler coach Troy Morrell said. "I was proud of the ways our guys came out here tonight and played."

Butler started the scoring early, when quarterback Billy Cosh completed a 46-yard pass to Javess Blue less than three minutes into the contest. The Grizzlies have scored on their first offensive possession in each game this season.

"I hope we can keep that string going," Morrell said. "It's always good to get the early start. We actually won the toss for the first time and took the ball, and they made that the right choice by getting the ball in the end zone."

It didn't take Butler long to score their second touchdown. The defense forced an Independence punt on their first possession and the kick was partially blocked and rolled out of bounds at the 1-yard line. One play later, Dreamius Smith crashed into the end zone and Butler led 14-0 just five minutes into the contest.

From there, the touchdowns continued to roll in. Butler led 35-0 before Independence scored its lone touchdown on a long pass from Kaylon Cooper to Freeman Dozier with five minutes left in the half.

Butler added two more touchdowns before the half was over, one on a four-yard run by Dreamius Smith and another on a 20-yard pass from Cosh to Javess Blue.

Dreamius Smith would finish the game with 19 carries for 157 yards and four touchdowns.  Billy Cosh played less than three full quarters but still completed 22 of 31 passes for 391 yards and three touchdowns. Javess Blue caught five passes for 135 yards and two touchdowns, all in the first half.

Terrance Allen scored two rushing touchdowns, while Ty Suggs, Miles Thomas and Tyler Harrison all added a touchdown each.

While the offense posted eye-popping numbers like 37 first downs, 90 plays run and 714 yards of total offense, the defense clamped down yet again.

Now Butler, which is 4-0 overall and 3-0 in Jayhawk Conference play, gets set to play a second straight road game when the Grizzlies travel to Highland for a 1 p.m. kickoff next Saturday. 

"It's going to be a challenge next week, just like every game is," Morrell said. "I was proud of the way the kids played tonight and hopefully we can keep that momentum rolling."