Bearcat Football Remains Undefeated with Win at West Fork
The North Butler football team wrapped up non-district play in Week 3 with a 25-0 win at West Fork Friday night, as aired on 104.9 KLMJ.
On the first drive of the game the Warhawks had a six minute drive that ended at the North Butler 2 yard line, resulting in a turnover on downs. Throughout a majority of the first half each team’s offense was challenged in sustaining drives and finding the endzone by solid defensive play.
The Bearcats would find the endzone with five minutes left in the first half on a 26 yard touchdown reception by senior Carter Miller on a pass from Brody Wangness, giving the Bearcats the lead 7-0 heading into halftime.Bearcat Head Coach Jordan Vanderloop says at halftime his players did a great job of being active in discussion about second half adjustments and that he is proud of how they have taken ownership of the team.
"When we came together at halftime, coaches were discussing what we needed to change offensively and defensively, and other adjustments," says Vanderloop. "The team was coming was coming together and they were able to give some suggestions to and give some ideas of what we could and couldn't run, and just some adjustments we might also need to make. It was nice to see we were able to come together, as a whole unit, make those adjustments. They were able to give us some ideas for things we need to change. The boys are really owning this football team and they are taking ownership of it and responsibility for it, so that it great to see."
The halftime adjustments proved to be a boost for the Bearcats in the second half as they scored three touchdowns through a balanced attack of run and pass, and defensively locked down the Warhawks rushing game to secure the shutout victory. Warhawk Head Coach Dan Westhoff says it was a test offensively and he was happy with the adjustment of his defense.
"It was a 7-0 game at halftime and it was a tough night offensively for stretches and that was just sometimes you get a defensive slugfest and we were in one," says Westhoff. "We played so much better at the line of scrimmage, we challenged our guys to respond after last week and I think they really did that. We played with more intensity, we played with better pad level, we were more physical. It stinks to lose and we are not into moral victories but I was really happy with how we played defensively."
The Bearcats were led by a big night through the air for sophomore quarterback Brody Wangsness with 154 passing yards with 2 TD’s and added 90 rushing yards and a touchdown. Senior wideout Griffin Buss had 72 yards and a touchdown on two receptions. Tanner Arjes and Carter Miller each added a touchdown apiece for the Bearcats. Defensively, Tanner Arjes was the leading tackler for the Bearcats with 12 total tackles.
The Warhawks were led by senior quarterback Sage Suntken’s 43 rushing yards. Senior back AJ Anderson added 42 yards on the ground and was the leading tackler for the Warhawks with 15.5 total tackles.
The Bearcats rise to 3-0 and their Week 4 matchup will be in Class A District 3 action as they host Wapsie Valley on Friday. The Warhawks slide to 1-2 and their Week 4 matchup will be in Class A District 2 action as they travel to Lake Mills Friday.
