VALPARAISO, Ind. - Butler defeated the Valparaiso Beacons 33-28 on Saturday afternoon, marking Butler's fifth consecutive victory in the Hoosier Helmet rivalry. Nick Munson was sensational for Butler in the win, hauling in three touchdown receptions. With the win, Butler improves to 4-1 on the season and 1-0 in PFL action while Valpo slides to 1-3 overall and 0-1 in PFL action.
NOTEABLE STATS
- Munson had a career day pulling down five catches for 114 yards and three touchdowns. 114 receiving yards and three touchdowns in a game are both career-highs for Munson.
- Gabe Passini completed 9-of-17 passes for 155 yards and three touchdowns. Passini added 104 rushing yards on 20 carries.
- Desmin Jackson found the endzone for the fifth consecutive game and carried the ball 12 times for 97 yards.
- Dantu Gardner Jr. recorded an interception on the first drive of the game.
- Will Beesley led the defense with nine total tackles and two tackles for loss.
- Ashton Nawrocki had four tackles, one sack and 1.5 tackles for loss.
- Tristan Johnson and Kian Kelly both recorded a pass break up.
- Beck Janki made two of his three field goal attempts. Janki made a career-long 41-yard kick in the win.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- On Valparaiso's opening drive of the game, the Beacons quarterback looked to hit a quick slant to his left. Gardner Jr. jumped the route and was able to intercept the pass, giving Butler the ball just outside the redzone. Butler was unable to get a first down on the drive and settled for a 41-yard field goal from Janki. Both teams traded possessions back and forth before Valparaiso was able to put together a 10-play, 58-yard drive that ended with a three-yard touchdown run from Rowan Keefe.
- On the first play of the second quarter, Valparaiso running back Michael Rumoro took a third-and-three handoff 78 yards for a touchdown, giving the Beacons a 14-3 advantage. Butler responded by driving down the field, but the offense was halted, bringing Janki on for a field goal attempt. Janki was unable to convert the 37-yard attempt as the Valpo 11-point lead stayed intact. After forcing a Valparaiso punt, Butler responded with a six-play, 63-yard drive that ended with a 35-yard touchdown grab from Munson. After a delay due to an injury, neither side was able to score again in the half as Valparaiso took the 14-10 lead into the break.
- Butler opened the second half with an eight-play, 75-yard drive that was capped off with a 40-yard touchdown from Munson, which was his second of the game. With the score, Butler took its first lead of the day at 17-14. Valpo answered with a long drive of their own that ended with a seven-yard receiving touchdown from Devin Yeats, giving the home side the 21-17 advantage.
- Butler was driving at the end of the third quarter and started the fourth in the redzone. Munson continued to dominate for the Bulldogs, hauling in two catches for 32 yards and his third touchdown of the game. After forcing a Valpo punt, Butler drove down the field and Janki converted a 41-yard field goal, giving the Bulldogs the 27-21 advantage with just over six minutes left in the game. After forcing a Valparaiso punt, Butler got the ball back and, with a five-play drive, found the endzone again as Jackson scored on a 17-yard rush up the middle. With the score, the Butler lead grew to 33-21. Valpo responded once again with a score of their own as the home side cut the deficit to five (33-28). Butler recovered Valpo's onside kick but was forced into a three-and-out. Valpo was able to get the ball inside the redzone but a last-second pass breakup in the endzone from Kian Kelly sealed the victory for Butler.
UP NEXT
The Bulldogs will have their bye week next week before returning to action on Saturday, Oct. 10 as San Diego visits the Bud and Jackie Sellick Bowl. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. and the game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
