BUTLER (2-9 in 2015)
Coach: Gary Wheeler (fourth season, 22-15).
Starters back: Offense 2, defense 4.
Class: 6-A, District 3.
Player to watch: Wheeler said the Bears’ strength is their receiving corps, and junior Frank Bentley (6-2, 160 pounds) is the leader of the group. He totaled 21 catches for 276 yards and one touchdown last season. “Frank Bentley, remember that name,” Wheeler said.
Other top players: QB Blake Showalter (Sr.), RB/S Desmond Miller (Jr.), DB Terry Glass (Jr.), RB Eric Jackson (So.), DB Xavion Bethel (Sr.).
Outlook: Showalter, a left-hander, takes over at quarterback and has a solid group of receivers led by Bentley and sophomores Frank Caldwell and Demontae Crumes. “Blake is a dual-threat guy; he can scramble and he can throw the ball,” Wheeler said. “Also he can play receiver and defensive back. We’re going to lean on his experience. He played a lot of JV quarterback last year.” The offense took a hit when senior running back Greg Bethel transferred out of the program. Led by Miller, Glass and Xavion Bethel, the secondary will be the strength of the defense. “I see my team as young and energetic,” Wheeler said. “One of our sayings this year is ‘one heartbeat,’ and we’re going to be young and have some fun.”
Schedule:
8/19 MEADE COUNTY
8/26 DESALES
9/2 at Western
9/9 at Fern Creek
9/16 DOSS
9/23 *MALE
9/29 *at Manual
10/7 *at PRP
10/14 at Eastern
10/21 *ST. XAVIER
*District game