Big defensive plays key Myers Park over Butler in 4AA playoffs

Myers Park’s defense made four big early plays, and the Mustangs’ offense took it from there, trouncing host Butler 33-8 Friday night in a second-round 4AA playoff game.

Butler, which handed Myers Park its only loss this season, looked at times like a team that hadn’t played in a month – which it hadn’t.

And the Mustangs looked like a team ready to pounce on any Bulldogs mistakes – which they did.

For the second consecutive year, Myers Park eliminated Butler from the playoffs after the Bulldogs had won the teams’ regular-season meeting.

The tone was set on Butler’s first series, when Myers Park linebacker Jake Harkleroad stopped Bulldogs quarterback Christian Peters on fourth down near midfield. The Mustangs drove to the Butler 4 but were stopped on fourth down.

Then on Butler’s first play, Peters was tackled in the end zone for a safety.

The third big defensive play came late in the first quarter, when Mustangs defensive back Cameron Roseman-Sinclair picked off a Butler pass at the Bulldogs’ 12. Three plays later, Andre Francois dashed 8 yards for a touchdown, and the Mustangs were up 12-0.

The fourth big play came when Butler coach Brian Hales gambled, going for it on fourth-and-2 from the Bulldogs’ 28. This time, Mustangs defensive lineman Andrew Bookman stopped Butler’s Jamal Worthy for a 4-yard loss. On the next play, Myers Park’s Drake Maye lofted a 24-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Bowick.

The Mustangs were never threatened afterward.

Butler hadn’t played since late October, winning its final two regular-season games by forfeit and then drawing a first-round playoff bye as Southwestern 4A champion. The Bulldogs fumbled four times, were whistled for 110 yards in penalties and struggled to keep up with Myers Park’s explosive passing game.

Even when Butler finally got its offense going late in the game, Myers Park was ready to make a big play. Keyon Lesane capped an 80-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter, putting Butler down 26-8.

The Bulldogs then recovered a Myers Park fumble and drove to the Mustangs’ 26. But on fourth-and-1, the Mustangs’ Harkleroad stopped Worthy for a 6-yard loss.

Records: Myers Park is 12-1; Butler finished 8-3.

Three who mattered

Jake Harkleroad, Myers Park: A senior outside linebacker, he stopped Butler twice on fourth-down plays and also had two sacks.

Drake Maye, Myers Park: The Mustangs’ quarterback completed 17 of 23 passes for 163 yards and three touchdowns.

Christian Peters, Butler: The Bulldogs’ quarterback had two passes intercepted, but otherwise, he completed 18 of 22 attempts for 167 yards. With Butler behind, Peters was pressured heavily in the second half.

Worth mentioning

▪ Over the past decade, Butler is 10-0 against Myers Park in regular-season games. The teams met only once in postseason, prior to Friday night. That was last year, when the Mustangs won 28-24.

▪ In the seven weeks since Myers Park and Butler met in the regular season, the Bulldogs have played only twice – beating Harrisburg Hickory Ridge on Oct. 19 and Garinger a week later.

▪ Moose Muhammad and Elijah Bowick get most of the pass-catching headlines for Myers Park, but Andre Francois led the way Friday night with eight catches for 60 yards. He also ran for a touchdown.

▪ Senior Night for high school football teams normally takes place at the final home game, but Butler honored its seniors Friday. That’s because the Bulldogs’ last two scheduled home games, Nov. 2 against East Mecklenburg and Nov. 9 against Independence, turned into forfeit victories for Butler when the Eagles and Patriots ended their seasons early following brawls during games on Oct. 29.

What’s next?

Myers Park travels to Richmond Senior next Friday in the 4AA quarterfinals. Butler’s season is finished.

Myers Park 12 7 7 7 - 33

Butler 0 0 8 0 - 8

MP -- Safety; Christian Peters tackled in end zone

MP -- FG Matthew Dennis 44

MP -- Andre Francois 12 run (Dennis kick)

MP -- Elijah Bowick 24 pass from Drake Maye (Dennis kick)

MP -- Bowick 8 pass from Maye (Dennis kick)

B -- Keyon Lesane 1 run (Jaden Clark pass from Peters)

MP -- Logan Mauldin 4 pass from Maye (Dennis kick)

This story was originally published November 23, 2018 at 10:56 PM.