Box Score Malcolm Weaver had 260 yards and three touchdowns in just over a half of action, leading Butler to a 59-14 win over visiting Franklin Saturday night under the lights at the Butler Bowl. Both teams now stand at 1-1 on the young season.
 
Weaver's performance through the air was largely matched by Franklin's Chase Burton, who had 247 yards through the air. However, it was the Butler defense that produced a huge advantage in the running game. While Butler rushed for 254 yards on the ground, the Butler defense limited Franklin to only 55 yards on 28 carries. Franklin entered the fourth quarter with just one net rushing yard.
 
The Bulldogs had four sacks, including two by senior captain Jordan Ransone, and three interceptions on the evening. Adam Chappelle had two of the picks, including one he returned six yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
 
Two touchdown connections to Pace Temple sandwiched around a 13-yard rushing touchdown by John Hall gave Butler a 21-0 advantage near the end of the first quarter.
 
Franklin would pull within 28-14 midway through the second quarter, but the Bulldogs scored twice in the last two minutes of the half, pushing the lead to 42-14 at the half.
 
In Butler's first drive of the second half, Duvante Lane both went over 100 yards on the night and picked up his third touchdown of the contest. The four-yard rush gave Butler a 49-14 advantage four minutes into the second half. Lane had 104 yards and three rushing touchdowns on the night. At that point in the game, Weaver gave way to Will Marty under center.
 
Danny Cotter led Butler with 106 receiving yards. Temple had 92 yards receiving and two touchdowns, all in the first half.
 
The game was played in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 4,732 in the team's only night game of the season.
 
The Bulldogs return to action Saturday (Sept. 17) at Taylor. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. for the in-state foes with Taylor providing a video feed of the action.