The North Butler football team was in search of a big time district win and got it done on both sides of the ball in a upset of district leader and #10(A) Nashua-Plainfield on Friday. This was the Bearcats first win in the series since 2021.
The Bearcats took to the air to gain a 14-0 first half advantage behind a 63 touchdown reception by Clayton Towsley and a 25 touchdown reception by Ryan Austin. North Butler wrapped up scoring in the third quarter with a QB keeper by Brody Wangsness to go up 22-0. The Bearcats defense held their ground for the shutout, containing a Huskies rushing offense that entered the matchup with 1,821 yards (third most in Class A), and forcing three turnovers (two interceptions and a fumble).
North Butler Head Coach Jordan Vanderloop on the physicality of the defense and Brody Wangsness and the offense working in rhythm in the win.
“The defensive coaches did an excellent job of getting prepared and coming up with a game plan, so I got to tip my hat to them,” says Vanderloop. “The players just came out and did their assignments that they were supposed to do. They stayed focused, they stayed home, they were able to wrap up. We knew that they were a physical team, they’d run hard so we had to hold on and gang tackle and that’s exactly what we did. Brody really stepped up and was able to go in and change some of the plays, and audible to something that was open more in the run game or flip to another hole. All around effort for it too, the line, did a great job of getting him time in the pocket so he could go through his progressions, the receivers ran great routes, and the backs were able to find the hole and hit it hard. It was an all-around offensive success too.”
Brody Wangsness was 7/12 for 147 passing yards and three touchdowns (two passing and one rushing). Ryan Austin had four receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown. Tucker Pecha had eight tackles and an interception. Aiden Witte added an interception and fumble recovery to help lead the Bearcats defense.
North Butler (4-3, 2-3 A-3) will host AGWSR for senior night this Friday.
