No. 2 Butler holds off Charlotte Catholic, sets up league title showdown with Independence
One mistake wouldn’t define Jayden Williams — or the Butler Bulldogs.
After fumbling the first time he touched the ball, the Butler tailback spent the rest of the Bulldogs’ 24-21 win against Charlotte Catholic atoning with 139 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries. He also added 30 yards on four receptions to run Butler’s (8-1, 5-0 Southwestern 4A) win streak to eight games and sole possession of the conference lead.
“I don’t get fazed by fumbles,” said Williams, who lost the ball for the first time this season. “I just come back and make plays. I know what kind of player I am. I’m a playmaker.”
He certainly was, especially after halftime when he carved up Catholic’s defense for 93 rushing yards as Butler seized momentum on the ground. The Bulldogs rushed for 186 yards, which combined with 188 yards passing to make for an efficient and balanced offense.
“We went straight ahead because we figured their linebackers were overshooting,” Williams said. “I was just cutting back and going straight — north and south, running fast.”
Catholic (6-3, 3-2) took advantage of Butler’s error for a 14-6 lead at intermission. The Cougars jumped on Williams’ fumble on the first play from scrimmage, which led to Jake Anderson’s 3-yard touchdown run, the first of his three scores.
Butler responded by converting a Catholic fumble into a 52-yard scoring pass from Zachary Lawrence to Dequandre Currence that cut the deficit to a point. The difference was on defense, where Catholic survived a muffed punt in the final minute of the half. John McKillop batted down Currence’s fourth-down pass from the Cougars’ 5 to preserve their advantage.
The Bulldogs’ advantage came after intermission, seizing a 24-14 lead on Williams’ 2-yard with 6 minutes, 33 seconds to play. Catholic pulled to within three on Anderson’s 1-yard plunge with 3:52 left, but the Bulldogs soaked up the remaining time running the ball after an unsuccessful Cougars onside kick.
Three Who Made a Difference
Jayden Williams: The Bulldogs’ running back was more than Catholic could handle with 169 yards total offense, including 139 rushing and a pair of scores on 22 carries.
Zach Lawrence: The Butler quarterback connected on 9-of-12 passes for 112 yards and a score, including a 52-yarder to Dequadre Currence (five catches, 77 yards, TD) to pull the Bulldogs to within 7-6 in the second quarter.
Jake Anderson: The Catholic tailback scored three touchdowns, including a pair in the first half.
Worth Mentioning
▪ Neither side was bashful in keeping drives going on fourth down. Catholic converted all three of its first-half tries, including a pair that led to the game’s initial touchdown. Butler, however, was 1-for-3.
▪ The Bulldogs and Cougars were nearly even in terms of yards gained in the first half, with Catholic outgaining Butler 158-156. The second half was all Butler, which finished with 374 to Catholic’s 248
▪ Butler head coach Brian Hales celebrated his birthday with cake in the face, courtesy of his players.
What’s Next?
Butler has the week off before hosting Independence.
Charlotte Catholic hosts East Mecklenburg.
Scoring Summary
Butler: 0 6 11 7 – 24
Charlotte Catholic: 7 7 0 7 – 21
CC-Jake Anderson 3-yard run (Roman Highland kick)
B-Dequadre Currence 52-yard pass from Zachary Lawrence (kick blocked)
CC-Anderson 7-yard run (Highland kick)
B-Jayden Williams 1-yard run (Lawrence pass to Philip Harris)
B-Nicholas Konieczynski 28-yard field goal
B-Williams 2-yard run (Konieczynski kick)
CC-Anderson 1-yard run (Highland kick)
PHOTOS: Butler at Charlotte Catholic
