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2023 Snapshot: Butler

Butler QB Luke Seibert (photo from Twitter: @ButlerAviatorFB)

Six games into last season, Butler was 3-3 overall and 3-2 in the Miami Valley League. The Aviators were all set for a strong finish and their first winning campaign since 2018, then injuries and tough luck grounded the fly boys down the stretch. They lost their last four tilts and limped to the finish line. Now healthy, with plenty to prove and unfinished business to take care this team of has all the motivation it needs to be a menace in the quest for the 2023 MVL championship.

” We have a lot of experience back, led by our linebackers and three-year starter at quarterback,” head coach Ty Cates states. Butler has the skills positions players to become a very entertaining offense to watch. To enjoy their presence on the field the Aviators will need to be more consistent in the run game, finish more drives and take better care of the football.

The Aviators only scored more than 21 points once last season (35 vs. Fairborn). Six times they had 14 points or less (10 times in their last 14 games dating back to 2021). Turnovers and the inability to establish the run were a big part of their scoring deficiencies. Butler had 19 offensive possessions abruptly ended (almost one per half) by turnovers. The rushing attack did not have anyone who ran for more than 100 yards in a game and averaged just 3.0 per carry for a second straight campaign.

On the bright side, an opportunistic Butler defense came up with 23 takeaways in 2022. Many of those came from a secondary that returns players responsible for 11 of their 12 interceptions a year ago. The back eight of the defense is one of the biggest strengths of the Aviators but Cates knows there are still questions on this side of the ball. “We are young and inexperienced along the defensive line.” If that unit comes around good things are going to fall into place for this squad.

This is the time to change the trajectory of this program and the 2023 squad is the perfect group to be in the forefront of that movement. Butler has the top tier talent to play with anyone in the MVL they just need a confidence boost that is fueled by winning. The Aviators will find success if they give a focused and disciplined effort on a daily and weekly basis.

Division III, Region 12
2022 RECORD: 3-7, 3-4 MVL
COACH: Ty Cates (7-14 at Butler, two years; 63-43 overall, 10 years)

HONOR ROLL
Austin Flohre, Sr, RB/SS – Does so many things well for the Aviators especially at safety. Back for his fourth year as a starter, Flohre was named OPSWA Division III Second Team All-Southwest District (DB) as a junior. He has 151 total tackles, three sacks, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, 602 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns (three rush, one rec., one IR) in his career.

Sam Mitchell, Sr, LB/TE/FB – Really came of age last fall. Mitchell led Butler with 83 total tackles, had two sacks, six tackles for losses, forced four fumbles, recovered a fumble and had an interception. He was named Second Team All-MVL (LB) for his work.

Sean Wentling, Sr, OL – The anchor and leader of the o-line. Wentling is back for his fourth year as a starter. He was a Second Team All-MVL selection as a junior.

Tayven Crump, Jr, WR – An electrifying player who makes a difference as a receiver and a return man. Crump reeled in 30 receptions, for 344 yards, averaged 29.6 yards on 18 kickoff returns, amassed 903 all-purpose yards and found the end zone a team high four times (two rec., two KRs) in 2022. That effort earned Crump Second Team All-MVL (WR) accolades.

Luke Seibert, Sr, QB – The catalyst of the offense. Seibert should really shine as a senior with all the weapons at his disposal. He was named Honorable Mention All-MVL a year ago. The three-year starter has thrown for 2,600 yards and accounted for 20 touchdowns (15 pass, five rush) in his career.

OTHER RETURNEES
Dohnavan Collins, Sr, LB/FB – Before breaking his collar bone in 2022, Collins was third in the MVL in total tackles after four games. He put together monster numbers to start last season with 45 total tackles, four tackles for losses and three takeaways (two INT, one FR) in his four appearances. Collins is primed for an all-district performance as a senior.

Logan Shupe, Sr, OL/DL – A two-way player and three-year starter who is looking to put together a complete senior season. Shupe has 23 total tackles and one-and-a-half sacks in an Aviators uniform.

Allen Mabson II, Jr, WR/DB – Was leading the league in interceptions before a knee injury cut short his sophomore season. Mabson II still managed to snare three picks, recover a fumble, get in on 27 total tackles, catch eight passes for 164 yards and two touchdowns in seven games.

Kwame Wheaton, Sr, DB – The Aviators best cover corner. Wheaton recorded 27 total tackles, recovered a fumble and had three passes defended as a junior.

Butler DB Kwame Wheaton (photo from Twitter: @ButlerAviatorFB)

NEWCOMERS
Sophomores WR/DB Corey Rice and WR Julius Rusk are the glimpse of the future who bring excitement to the skills positions for Butler. Rice played in three of the Aviators last four games tallying 14 total tackles (10 solo) with a fumble recovery and an interception as a freshman.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(10 appearances, 6-10 overall) – 2021, 2020, 2018, 2015, 2013, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999

2023 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/18/23 – NORTHMONT (5-6 in 2021) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/25/23 – at Piqua (9-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/01/23 – at Troy (7-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/08/23 – GREENVILLE (2-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/15/23 – at Xenia (10-1) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/22/23 – TIPPECANOE (13-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/29/23 – FAIRBORN (2-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/06/23 – at Sidney (4-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/13/23 – at West Carrollton (0-10) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/20/23 – STEBBINS (4-6) – 7:00 PM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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