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

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.

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.

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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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Size: Class 4A




Enrollment: 2,350 (approx.)


2011 finish: 11-2


Head coach: Brian Hales


Years at school: 8 (one as head coach)


Career record: 11-2


Notable players coached:
QB Christian LeMay (Georgia)



LB Kris Frost (Auburn)



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No. of returning starters: 6 (offense), 8 (defense)

Key losses:
WR Zach Ferguson

OL Brandon McNeely

DB Mal Jenkins

Key returners:
QB Riley Ferguson



WR Uriah LeMay

RB Josh Glisson

LB Peter Kalambayi

DL Grant Polofsky

Key newcomers:
RB Benny LeMay

OL Cole Carter



OL Kevin Sookbir

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Toughest game: Mallard Creek. Fast-rising Mallard Creek knocked off Butler last season and will be strong again in 2012. It features standout receiver Marquez North, one of the top players nationally.

Question mark: Will the defense be better in 2012? The team’s offense should be good, but its defense left much to be desired in the second half against Page. With eight returning starters, the unit should be improved. Mallard Creek will provide a good barometer.

Local look: Butler and Mallard Creek will be the top teams around Charlotte, but Independence, Butler’s old rival, should be improved. Page, which captured the 4A state title last year, should be down a bit. Perennial power Britt will have a first-year coach, so the jury is still out on the Fayetteville school. Richmond was young last season and will be a factor down the stretch.

Overall outlook: This team returns as much talent on paper as the 2010 team, which had in incredible run culminating with an undefeated season and a high national ranking. Now that Hales has had a year to adjust to the head role, the team is far ahead of where it was last year in terms of preparing for the season. There are few holes on this team, and the potential for another undefeated season clearly exists.

Coach quote: “We have so much back because we had to replace so much the year before. There were some growing pains.”
- Head coach Brian Hales



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