MaxPreps 2012 Preseason Xcellent 25 Football preview: No. 25 Butler

Charlotte-area powerhouse is looking to rebound after a shocking playoff loss in 2011.

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The Bulldogs of Butler High return marquee players to go with a coach who has more experience under his belt. That combination makes Butler a contender in North Carolina, a spot it is accustomed to being in.
Photo by Troy Cherry
The Bulldogs of Butler High return marquee players to go with a coach who has more experience under his belt. That combination makes Butler a contender in North Carolina, a spot it is accustomed to being in.
Brian Hales took over the reins at Butler (Matthews, N.C.) last season and endured a baptism by fire. The team lost its season opener to crosstown rival Mallard Creek and was later stunned in the playoffs by Page, 40-26.

Hales has one season under his belt and a wealth of returning talent, and that should equal a deep playoff run in 2012.

Peter Kalambayi had colleges across the nationclamoring for his commitment. Stanford was the winner.
Photo by Troy Cherry
Peter Kalambayi had colleges across the nation
clamoring for his commitment. Stanford was the winner.
Behind center is three-year starter Riley Ferguson. The Tennessee commit took over for Christian LeMay as a sophomore and led the Bulldogs to a state title. His favorite weapon, LeMay’s brother Uriah LeMay, returns and gives Butler a Top 100 recruit lining up on the outside.

MaxPreps Preseason Top 25 High School Football Early Contenders

Joseph Moody and Michael McCraughtry both return on the offensive line, which will need to replace several key starters. Cole Carter is a good bet to earn a tackle spot.

Josh Glisson will see most of the carries, but don’t be surprised if the youngest LeMay, freshman running back Benny LeMay, gets some reps.

Grant Polofsky, Corwin White and Darrin Dubose will make the Bulldogs’ defensive front a clear strength of the team, while Peter Kalambayi, yet another Top 100 recruit, will lead Butler’s linebackers.

Sean Wiggins and Todjrei Graham will make the front seven extremely difficult for opposing teams to deal with.

The secondary returns a trio of starters in Channing Stribling, Malachi Haynes and David Moore.

Local look: “The Bulldogs have a spectacular group of receivers in (now seniors) Channing Stribling and Uriah LeMay plus senior Zach Ferguson (now graduated), and tailback Josh Glisson is as good as you'll find in the area.”
- Langston Wertz, Charlotte Observer, during Butler's playoff run last season.

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