TriStateFootball.com

2017 Snapshot: Butler

Butler DB Jack Mitchell (photo by Greg Shoemaker/TSF)

It was a “Jeckyll and Hyde” season for Butler in 2016. Head coach Nathan Hyatt and his staff will look for more consistency from their troops this fall.

When the Aviators were good a year ago they won their five games by an average of 14.8 points per contest. All five of Butler’s losses were by 10 points or more with average margin of defeat of 19.0 points.

The schedule is no walk in the park. Even if the Aviators are better this fall their record may not show it. The Greater Western Ohio Conference American North Division is as competitive from top to bottom as any Division II-III conference in the state. It’s going to take discipline and a “nose to the grindstone” attitude if Butler is to get back to the playoffs for a second time in three years.

Division III, Region 12
2016 RECORD: 5-5, 2-3 GWOC American North
COACH: Nathan Hyatt (5-5 at Butler, one year; 9-11 overall, two years)

HONOR ROLL

Logan Flatt, Sr, RB – A breakout junior season saw Flatt run for1,1331 yards and 13 touchdowns. He earned Special Mention All-Southwest District and Second Team All-GWOC American North honors for the effort. Flatt has amassed 2,648 all-purpose yards and 21 touchdown in his career.

Jack Mitchell, Sr, DB – A real technician in the secondary. Mitchell tallied 72 total tackles and had three interceptions on his way to First Team All-GWOC American North accolades as a junior.

Trey Sanders, Sr, WR – One of those special athletes who can change the game in an instant. Sanders was named Second Team All-Southwest District after catching 35 balls for 805 yards (23.0/reception), returning 14 kickoffs for a 28.8 yard average and finding the end zone 10 times (eight receiving, two kickoff returns) as a junior.

Butler WR Trey Sanders (photo by Greg Shoemaker/TriStateFootball.com)

Mason Motter, Jr, QB – Forced into action because of injuries, Motter acquitted himself well as a sophomore. He threw for 1,313 yards and had at least two touchdown passes in five of the Aviators last six tilts. He was a Special Mention All-GWOC American North selection.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(seven appearances, 6-7 overall) – 2016, 2013, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999

2017 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/25/17 – PERRY – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/01/17 – TECUMSEH – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/08/17 – at Wilmington – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/15/17 – at Northmont – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/22/17 – at Stebbins – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/29/17 – GREENVILLE – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/06/17 – at Troy – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/13/17 – at Piqua – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/20/17 – SIDNEY – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/27/17 – TIPPECNOE – 7:00 PM

DYNAMIC DUO
The Motter to Sanders connection was simply magnificent down the stretch in ‘16. Sanders caught all eight of his touchdowns from Motter over the last six weeks. The last four weeks Sanders had 95, 97, 139 and 109 yards receiving on 17 total receptions.

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