The Butler Bulldogs will face off against the Hasbrouck Heights Aviators at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Each of these teams will be battling to keep a four-game winning streak alive.
Butler's defense heads into the contest hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Friday. They breezed past Secaucus to the tune of 35-0. That 35 point margin sets a new team best for the Bulldogs this season.
Butler's win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from David Smith, who threw for 157 yards and three touchdowns, and also rushed for 78 yards and one TD on only ten carries. Another rusher making a difference was Yadi Perez, who rushed for 122 yards and one score while picking up 7.6 yards per carry.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Butler was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 200 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've managed all season.
Butler didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Cj Bentley and Danny Wilson.
Meanwhile, Hasbrouck Heights humbled Saddle Brook with a 33-0 victory. The score at the end of the third wound up being the final score as the Aviators just coasted through the last quarter.
Butler better keep an eye on Michael Napolitano. He was instrumental in Hasbrouck Heights' win, rushing for 174 yards and a pair of touchdowns on only nine carries, while also catching one TD. With that strong performance, Napolitano is now averaging an impressive 110.5 rushing yards per game. Nicholas Haines was another key player, gaining 80 total yards and two touchdowns.
On the defensive side of the ball, a lot of the credit has to go to Hasbrouck Heights' defense and their four sacks. In fact, those sacks all came courtesy of defensive juggernaut Mike Colaneri.
Butler's win bumped their record up to 4-0. As for Hasbrouck Heights, their victory bumped their record up to 4-1.
Friday's game might be decided on the ground. Butler has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 171 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Hasbrouck Heights struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 173.4 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Everything came up roses for Butler against Hasbrouck Heights when the teams last played back in September of 2024, as the team secured a 34-6 win. Will the Bulldogs repeat their success, or do the Aviators have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
