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Butler is transforming into a legitimate national power in front of our eyes.
The Bulldogs have been plenty talented the past few years, but there's something different about this team. Maybe it's because they've had a tough schedule to come through, and maybe it's because they're tired of being the "other" team in Mecklenburg County.
This team is looking like some of the powers we've seen in town at Independence and West Charlotte.
Friday's 67-0 win against Ardrey Kell was impressive enough, but to hold the Knights to minus-10 total yards and no first downs for the game is extra special. Knights running back Justus Pickett, fast becoming a national recruit, had rushed for more than 500 yards the past three weeks. Pickett had minus-2 yards in 10 carries against the Bulldogs.
Of course, Butler will have to finish the season to be considered one of the county's best teams. Two big tests come the next few weeks: at Providence Friday and at Independence Nov. 6.
Friday was the night of the quarterback in the Charlotte area: Olympic's Lucas Beatty threw for 273 yards and five touchdowns as the Trojans (6-2, 3-0 ME-GA 7) beat East Gaston.
Butler junior Christian LeMay threw for 177 yards and three touchdowns in the first half for the Bulldogs. Wide receiver Anthony Short had 181 total yards, and four touchdowns in seven touches.
Independence's Anthony Carrothers completed 16 of 25 passes for 288 yards and four touchdowns in a win against South Mecklenburg. Kierre Brown (119 yards) and Avius Capers (107) both had five receptions.
Marvin Ridge's Chandler LeDoyen threw for 280 yards and four touchdowns in a win against Indian Trail Sun Valley.
But nobody had a better night than Providence's Chauncey Concepcion. The junior sparked a 48-28 win at Myers Park with 373 yards passing and four touchdowns. He also rushed for 79 yards and two touchdowns, running up 452 yards of total offense. For the season, Concepcion has 2,005 yards and 22 touchdown passes.
Pretty neat night for Gastonia Forestview Friday. The Jaguars converted a fourth-and-8 with a 39-yard pass on their final drive. Then, Darion Hancock caught an 11-yard screen pass from quarterback Jonathan White, running over two defenders at the goal line with 6 seconds left. That sparked the Jaguars' 21-20 win over Belmont South Point.
It was Forestview's first win in 11 tries against the Red Raiders and Forestview coach Chris Medlin gave the game ball to Jaguars principal Audrey Devine, the wife of South Point coach John Devine.
