Box Score Senior quarterback Matt Shiltz accounted for four Butler touchdowns and the Bulldogs' defense added two scores as Butler registered a 42-21 win in Indianapolis on Saturday (Nov. 7) afternoon. The win returns the Hoosier Helmet Trophy to the Bulldogs and improves the team to 5-4 on the season and 3-3 in Pioneer Football League play.
A 12-yard touchdown scamper by Shiltz started the scoring midway through the first quarter. After a 13-yard touchdown reception by
Pace Temple courtesy of Shiltz gave the Bulldogs a 14-0 advantage, Valparaiso used a 26-yard touchdown pass as the first quarter ended to pull within seven. The teams once again traded touchdowns to give Butler a 21-14 halftime advantage.
The second half would prove to be all Butler. Shiltz connected with Zack Wolfe for a 5-yard touchdown and a 28-14 lead on Butler's first drive of the second half. The next two scores came from the defense as Isaak Newhouse and Jordan Massey returned interceptions for touchdowns as the lead grew to 42-14.
"All day long our specials teams and defense put us in great positions," said Butler coach
Jeff Voris. "All season for us has come down to getting seven versus three and we took advantage of the short field. Our offensive line did a good job of sustaining the line of scrimmage and
Brian Akialis and our cover guys pinned Valpo deep time and time again.
"It's a great win. It's really good to bring the Hoosier Helmet back to Indy."
Shiltz had 187 yards through the air and four total touchdowns (two rushing and two passing).
Marquese Martin-Hayes had a team-high five catches for 58 yards, while the Bulldogs had 123 yards rushing and limited the Crusaders to 63 on the ground.
Butler returns to action Saturday (Nov. 14) for a Senior Day match-up against Drake. The 1 p.m. kick-off will be available on ButlerSports.com for those not in attendance at the Butler Bowl.
