Box Score With more than 4,800 fans on hand for Butler's 2015 home opener, the Bulldogs put on quite a show. Senior signal-caller Matt Shiltz threw for three touchdowns and ran for another as Butler downed visiting Franklin, 41-14, under the lights at the Butler Bowl Saturday evening.
Shiltz threw for 189 yards, connecting on scoring strikes to
Marquese Martin-Hayes,
Brandon Collins and
Pace Temple. He also ran for a two-yard score as Butler built a 31-0 halftime lead. Shiltz added 83 yards rushing as Butler improved to 1-1 on the young season.
"To start fast and get the lead after last week was crucial for us," said Butler coach Jeff Voris. "Both sides of the ball fed off each other tonight. We created some turnovers early and created some momentum."
Butler's defense turned in a solid performance. The unit limited Franklin to 89 yards rushing on 34 carries for a 2.6-yard average. The Bulldogs forced four fumbles by the Grizzlies and recovered all four. Junior
Josh Willis had 1.5 of Butler's three sacks as the team totaled nine tackles for loss. Captain
Jordan Massey had five solo tackles and three assists to lead the Bulldogs. It was the second consecutive game with Willis recording 1.5 sacks.
Butler got contributions from a number of players Saturday night, including Temple, who caught his first reception and touchdown as a Bulldog. Sam Schrader had 54 yards on the ground. Danny Cotter had 69 yards on two catches, including a 62-yard connection with back-up quarterback Malcolm Weaver as Cotter broke three tackles inside the 10.
Butler held a 451-294 advantage in total yards. The turnovers led to short fields and quick scores for Butler, as the first half touchdown drives were 2:23, 1:46, 2:33, and 1:39. That sent the Bulldogs into the half with a 31-0 advantage and put the game out of reach.
Saturday's game was part of Freedom Weekend festivities at Butler with football, men's soccer, women's soccer and volleyball including patriotic events during home games. The Bulldogs wore American flag decals on their helmets and recognized four World War II veterans during a pre-game ceremony in conjunction with Indy Honor Flight.
The Bulldogs return to action Saturday, Sept. 19, making the trip to Taylor for a 7 p.m. contest. Butler returns home on Sept. 26 for a Homecoming match-up with Campbell.
