Beech Tree News Network

The Butler County Bears football team fell to the Owensboro Catholic Aces this past Friday night, 52-14. The Bears (2-3) fought early; however, the Aces struck quick then demonstrated their prowess running the football late in the game.

 
Sophomore duo, Rex Henderson and Blake Graham, hooked up several times over a four minute stretch and senior Jake Martin broke off a long run to assist their Bears to pulling within five points. This sustained drive also left just under four minutes on the clock in the first quarter when Henderson scored a keeper and PAT.

Butler County stepped up significantly on a big defensive stand the next series; but, they quickly turned it back into the hands of Ray Zuberer, OC quarterback, who took advantage of the short field and went up 19-7.

Jake Martin ripped off a 66 yard return; unfortunately, the steam was cutoff when senior offensive lineman Peyton Bratcher went down and had to be taken to hospital with ankle injuries. It could be a while before he sees action again.

Senior Caleb Deweese made a huge fourth down catch to keep the Bears moving the ball within five yards of scoring again; instead, they gave up the football over on downs. Aces struck with a 97-yard Zuberer-Jansen Riney quick score.

Senior Kory Johnson forced a fumble and came up with the recovery as well to stop a Catholic possession and fellow senior Drake Embry made an interception on another leaving the Bears still in striking distance, down 33-7 at the half.

The second half saw a lot of running clock and Catholic running backs, Jonathan Garner and Holden Staples.

Henderson, who accounted for 73 rushing yards on 4.3 per carry, scored his second touchdown of the night from the 33-yard line late in the game after a Martin fumble recovery. Ian Embry caught and ran for 27 yards to move the chains that Bear possession. 

Coach Emmick received some good individual efforts, but it appears the Bears are not necessarily stopping the last couple opponents—over 50 points allowed in each contest—something the staff will rally around in the second half of the season. 

The loss of Bratcher will be a blow to the O-line and defense, too. Hopefully, this young man will get to see more play this season. Getting somebody like that back at the right time, could help Coach Emmick and his troops significantly.

Union County comes into Morgantown this Friday. The Braves (3-2) can be potent on offense, but are acceptable to giving up points in their losses. Look for an exciting contest between the Bears and Braves.

CLICK HERE FOR BOX SCORES Box Scores for Owensboro Catholic @ Butler County.pdf

Story by Greg Moore, Photos by Jeremy Hack, Beech Tree News