Bears beat McLean County to remain unbeaten

Sun, 09/25/2022 - 2:05pm — Steve Lemaster

MORGANTOWN — Butler County scored first and never trailed on the way to beating visiting McLean County 27-12 in a Class 2A, District 2 game on Friday, Sept. 23.

The Bears are 5-0 for the first time since the 2011 high school football season.

After notching the win, Butler County moved to 5-0 overall and opened 1-0 in Class 2A, District 2.

McLean County dropped to 5-1 overall and 1-1 in Class 2A, District 2 after absorbing the loss.

Following a scoreless opening quarter, Butler County reached the endzone with 1:49 remaining in the first half when Colton Dunnells crossed the goal line on a three-yard run.

Butler County led 7-0 at halftime and stretched its lead in the second half.

Brody Hunt scored on a five-yard run for the Bears at the 8:11 mark of the third quarter.

Leading 14-0, Butler County struck again later in the third quarter when Keagen Grubb scored on a 10-yard run.

The Bears led 21-0 at the end of the third quarter and remained out in front during the final period.

McLean County managed to score two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to cut the Bears' advantage down to a 21-12 lead. But Butler County answered.

Butler County, under the direction of Coach Brandon Embry, extended its lead with 1:29 remaining when Hunt broke free and scored on a 45-yard run.

The Bears thrived on the ground in the district win. Butler County rushed 35 times for 266 yards and four touchdowns. Hunt led Butler County, rushing 14 times for 179 yards and two touchdowns.

Grubb and Dunnells followed Hunt in Butler County's rushing attack, providing 45 rushing yards and 42 rushing yards, respectively.

Garrett Phelps paced Butler County through the air, completing five of eight passes for 65 yards.

Phelps completed at least one pass to five different receivers.

Carson Miller and Devin Poston led Butler County's defensive effort, recording 12 tackles apiece. Delivering offensively and defensively for the Bears, Dunnells registered nine tackles.

Producing in the secondary, Dillon Hudnall, Gage Beasley and Layton Phelps each recorded one interception for the Bears.

Butler County is scheduled to visit Hancock County for another Class 2A, District 2 game on Friday, Sept. 30.