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The rain showers came and went in waves Friday night at Vance High.
Butler, though, made sure to keep pouring it on during the brief dry spells.
After trailing 7-0 early in the first quarter, the Bulldogs scored 31 straight points and held Vance (1-2) to 39 total yards on eight drives during that span in an eventual 31-13 win.
Butler (2-0, No. 3 in Sweet 16) forced three turnovers, including two interceptions by Mark Bridges, and the defense provided a spark after the Bulldogs' offense started with an interception return for a touchdown and two straight punts.
Middle linebacker Alex Polofski isn't worried about the offense, which has allowed two turnovers for touchdowns in two games to the defense's one allowed.
“Our offense is going to be great,” he said. “Don't worry at all about that.”
After Vance's Casey Ifedi returned an interception for a touchdown on the first drive of the game, Butler dominated the next two quarters. Jawaun Edwards (eight carries for 62 yards) scored twice and Markel Moore (15 for 108) scored once, leading Butler's offense.
But, it was the Bulldogs' defense that starred. Hawatha Bell (two sacks) and others put near-constant pressure in Vance's backfield, including forcing the two high-arching throws that Bridges snatched out of the air.
“Our defense is dominant,” said coach Mike Newsome. “We've got some real talent on that side of the ball.”
