Butler Remains Undefeated After Outlasting New Milford

The Butler Bulldogs (6-0) not only maintained their perfect record but also secured the NJIC Meadowlands Division title with a 28-14 victory over the New Milford Knights (4-3) at New Milford High School in New Milford, New Jersey.

The Bulldogs wasted no time in scoring, taking just over a minute to find the end zone. Quarterback David Smith connected with wide receiver Nick Parkinson, who evaded several defenders and sprinted down the right sideline for a 52-yard touchdown.

With less than six minutes left in the first quarter, Butler struck again. Running back Ryder Higbie took a handoff from David Smith and powered across the goal line for a three-yard score.

New Milford's offense eventually found its rhythm during the following drive. Facing a fourth down at midfield, they successfully converted with a 19-yard pass from quarterback Max Kenny to running back Jake Johnson.

In the second quarter, New Milford faced a second-and-long situation at the Butler 24-yard line. Max Kenny threw a high-arching pass into the end zone, where wide receiver Brady Gilchrist made a remarkable sliding catch for the touchdown.

The back-and-forth action continued as the Bulldogs moved the ball effectively through a mixture of runs and passes, advancing into Knights territory. On first-and-ten at the Knights' 23-yard line, David Smith took a direct snap in shotgun formation. He drove straight ahead, cut left, and sprinted down the sideline to sneak inside the left pylon for a touchdown, extending Butler's lead to 21-7 with less than nine minutes remaining in the half.

New Milford quickly responded with a strong offensive drive, executing an 11-play, 71-yard series that concluded with an 18-yard touchdown pass from Max Kenny to wide receiver Luke Johnson, eating up six minutes of the clock.

Butler seemed poised to score again just before halftime as they marched into the red zone. However, Knights defensive back Brady Gilchrist thwarted those plans by intercepting a pass thrown by David Smith and returning it to the Butler 47-yard line.

In the fourth quarter, Butler started a drive at their own 34-yard line with ten and a half minutes left. The Bulldogs' offense expertly mixed runs and passes, advancing into the Knights' end of the field.

On second-and-goal at the nine-yard line, David Smith lined up in shotgun formation, dropped back, and fired a pass to the left side of the field. Wide receiver Evan Croker made a fantastic catch, keeping his feet inbounds within the pylon for the touchdown that increased Butler's lead to 28-14 with five minutes remaining.

The Bulldogs' defense then sealed the victory, shutting down a New Milford offensive drive that had advanced into Butler territory. Defensive lineman Cole Benicasa knocked down a pass attempt, resulting in a turnover on downs.

The Bulldogs will return to action on Friday, October 17, matching up against Becton in the NJIC Championship Semifinal Round, with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. at Becton

High School. Meanwhile, New Milford will face St. Mary Rutherford on Thursday, October 16, at New Milford High School, with a kickoff at 7 p.m.