Grizzlies Steamroll Highland for Fourth Victory
EL DORADO, Kan. — The No. 14-ranked Butler Grizzlies showcased a dominant ground game to defeat the Highland Scotties 38–3 on Saturday.
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
|
|
14 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 38 |
Team Stats
Highland
| Game Statistics | Highland | Butler |
|---|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 76 | 102 |
| Rushing Yards | 71 | 285 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Time of Poss. | 29:32 | 30:28 |
EL DORADO, Kan. — The No. 14-ranked Butler Grizzlies showcased a dominant ground game to defeat the Highland Scotties 38–3 on Saturday.
Originally scheduled for a 3 p.m. kickoff, the game was delayed by about 90 minutes due to lightning. Despite the disruption and coming off two consecutive bye weeks, Butler looked sharp in their first home game in 28 days.
The Grizzlies struck early, scoring on their first two possessions. Freshman quarterback Tate McNew connected with DeColdest Crawford for a 13-yard touchdown to cap a six-minute, 10-play opening drive. After a Highland punt, sophomore running back Markellus Bass broke free for a 68-yard touchdown run on the first play of Butler's second drive, giving the Grizzlies a quick 14–0 lead.
Early in the second quarter, kicker Hunter Rioux added a 33-yard field goal to extend the lead to 17–0. Highland responded with their only points of the game—a 37-yard field goal from Carl Bonewits. Butler closed the half with another touchdown, as McNew found Nakai Poole in the back corner of the end zone for an 11-yard score, sending the Grizzlies into halftime up 24–3.
In the third quarter, McNew and Crawford connected again for Crawford's fourth receiving touchdown in two games, pushing the lead to 31–3. McNew later added a rushing touchdown from three yards out to seal the 38–3 victory.
For the second time this season, Butler had two running backs eclipse 100 rushing yards. Bass finished with 20 carries for 153 yards and a touchdown, while Semaj Scott added 106 yards on 10 carries. McNew completed 9 of 12 passes for 92 yards and three touchdowns, along with one rushing score.
The Grizzlies totaled 387 yards of offense and 21 first downs, while holding Highland to just 147 yards and 2.8 yards per play. Butler's defense also recorded three sacks. Highland struggled with discipline, committing 20 penalties for 162 yards.
With the win, Butler improves to 4–1 (2–1 conference) and extends its series lead over Highland to 38–12–1, including four straight victories.
Next up: Butler travels to face No. 7-ranked Garden City Broncbusters at Broncbuster Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25.
