Beech Tree News Network

CALHOUN - Claiming its fourth straight win in the 2021 high school football season, Butler County outlasted rival McLean County 22-20 in a Class 2A, District 2 game on the road Friday, Sept. 24. 

Butler County beat McLean County in its Class 2A, District 2 opener.

After notching the win, Butler County improved to 4-1 overall and opened 1-0 in Class 2A, District 2. 

McLean County dropped to 4-2 overall and 1-1 in the district following the loss. 

After the initial period ended scoreless, Butler County scored at the 11:26 mark of the second quarter. 

The Bears moved ahead 8-0 following a two-point conversion. 

Butler County and McLean County swapped a touchdown later in the second period before the Bears took a 16-6 lead into halftime. 

The Bears clung to a 16-12 lead at the conclusion of the third quarter and faced a deficit early in the final period. However, Butler County managed to pull out the hard-fought district win, scoring the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter. 

Quarterback Jagger Henderson led Butler County through the air, completing 15 of 29 passes for 297 yards. Henderson threw two interceptions but delivered on the ground as well. The Butler County quarterback rushed 15 times for 46 yards and one touchdown.

Keagen Grubb led Butler County in receiving, reeling in five receptions for 80 yards. 

Behind Grubb's receiving effort for the Bears, Solomon Flener and Zack Silcox hauled in three receptions apiece. 

Henderson completed two or more passes to five different receivers in the Bears' district win. 

The Bears rushed 33 times for 148 yards and three touchdowns in the victory. 

Following Henderson on the ground for Butler County, Colton Dunnells rushed 10 times for 44 yards and two touchdowns. 

Another running back, Josh Morris, rushed three times for 39 yards in the Bears' winning effort. 

Butler County is scheduled to host Hancock County for another Class 2A, District 2 game on Friday, Oct. 1.