Box Score

Behind 16 points from its defense, Butler secured a hard-fought 23-6 win at Stetson Saturday afternoon. Butler has now won four of its last five and stands at 6-4 on the season heading into the 2017 finale next weekend.

Butler, now 4-3 in Pioneer Football League play, trailed 6-0 until Anthony Scaccia put the Bulldogs ahead with a five-yard touchdown run with 1:02 remaining in the first half.

The Bulldogs' defense would make that 7-6 lead stand. Mike Cerone picked off a Hatters pass and returned it 42 yards for a touchdown midway through the third quarter. In the final stanza, captain Connor Andras posted a safety and then Ethan Brunhofer intercepted another Stetson pass and returned it 70 yards for Butler's final score of the game and the 23-6 final.

On the afternoon, Butler had three interceptions, five sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Luke Sennett had the other interception for the Bulldogs. Andras had two sacks. Stetson was held to 164 total yards, including a -21-yard rushing performance.

Sam Schrader had 65 yards rushing for the Bulldogs, while captain Duvante Lane added 48. Pace Temple led Butler with 78 yards receiving.

Butler, which entered the game leading the PFL in time of possession, had the ball for more than 36 minutes Saturday.

The Bulldogs return home for the 2017 finale Saturday (Nov. 11), hosting Valparaiso at 1 p.m. The game is Senior Day and part of Family Weekend. The Hoosier Helmet Trophy will be on the line. Butler, through a partnership with the university's College of Communication, will stream the game on Facebook Live.