Butler remains undefeated with victory over Independence

November 25, 2009

Great American Rivalry Series

Archrivals the Independence Patriots and the Butler Bulldogs faced off November 6, 2009 to a sold-out crowd at the Independence High School stadium in Charlotte. Known as the “Super Bowl” of North Carolina high school football, this Rivalry game saw both teams coming into the game with undefeated seasons and national rankings.

Emotions were running high as the Scholar Athletes took the field with their Marine Corps escorts for the pre-game presentations. Alex Polofsky and Benjamin Mallouky were honored, along with their parents, for excellence on the field and in the classroom.

Independence deferred the ball to start off the game and Butler took control after that. The Patriots did not come out with the same intensity as the Bulldogs, turning over the ball several times and missing big plays. Butler collected an early first half lead of 24-7 and Patriot fans began to wondering if their team came to play.

The Bulldogs, led by Jawaun Edwards, dominated the second half of the game as they continued putting points on the board. The Patriots made a push for a late game comeback, but a fumble on Butler’s 20 ruined those chances.

Butler came out to prove why they are the #1 ranked team in North Carolina, and prove it they did. Jawaun Edwards, named the USMC Rivalry Series MVP, accepted his medal and trophy in front of his cheering teammates and coaches. The Marines then presented head Coach Mike Newsome with the Championship Trophy.