Butts a Workhorse as
Blue Devils Win, 21-10
Butts is the engine that powers the Huntington High School football team. The senior was firing on all cylinders last Saturday, rushing for two touchdowns and recording 13 tackles to help the Blue Devils topple visiting Comsewogue, 21-10 before a crowd of 750 fans.
Neither team could gain much traction during a scoreless first half. “It took us a little longer to get going than we would have liked,” said Steve Muller, Huntington’s head coach. The Blue Devils appeared sluggish on offense, but their defense repeatedly stepped in to stop the Warriors from gaining any advantage.
Quarterback Ben Kocis (12-of-19 for 164 yards) scored the game’s first points when he took matters into his own hands and raced seven yards into the end zone to give Huntington a 6-0 lead about four minutes into the third quarter. Justyn Tesoriero followed with the first of three perfect extra-point kicks and the Blue Devils were on their way to a second victory without a loss.
“Ben’s our leader on the field,” Muller said. “It felt good to see us moving the ball and to finally put some points on the board. It was definitely a confidence builder. Once we scored, we knew we could do it again.”
Comsewogue, which is seeded No. 4 in Suffolk Division III, quickly responded to Huntington’s touchdown by scoring one of its own and converting the extra point to tie the score at 7-all. “Comsewogue is well coached and they have some very good players,” Muller said. “They weren’t about to just lie down. We had to play hard to win the game.”
Second seeded Huntington retook the lead in the third quarter on a 42-yard touchdown run by Butts (nine carries for 145 yards), which was followed by another Tesoriero PAT to put the Blue Devils in front 14-7 entering the final frame.
The Warriors narrowed their deficit to 14-10 on a 35 yard field goal early in the fourth quarter. Butts scored his second touchdown of the afternoon a short time later when he broke free for a 48-yard touchdown run. The Blue Devil defense made sure the 11-point lead held. “We are glad to have the win,” Muller said.
Troy Greene turned in another great game for Huntington, rushing 11 times for 118 yards, catching a pass for a 15-yard gain, making six tackles, including one for a loss, assisting on two other tackles, deflecting a pass and sacking the quarterback.
Davonte Evans was also productive offensively for the Blue Devils, gaining 52 yards on three carries and catching four passes for 44 yards. Teammate Infinite Tucker made nine tackles, including one for a loss, had an interception and also caught three passes for 42 yards.
“So many players contributed to this victory,” Muller. “If ever there was a team effort, this was it.”
Huntington hosts Amityville on Saturday at 2 p.m. It is Homecoming Day at Blue Devil Field.
Blue Devil Notes: Val Gutierrez, Asher King, Michael Cimilluca, Cameron Knox and Tim Mattiace all recorded two tackles each, respectively . . .Butts’ second touchdown came with about nine minutes remaining in the game . . . Jimmie Nelson recorded four tackles and assisted on two others . . . Christian Jamison caught a pass for an 11-yard gain . . . Butts had three receptions for 52 yards . . . Christian Gonzalez made six tackles, including one for a loss and also had a sack and pass deflection . . . Keegan Reilly made three tackles and deflected a pass . . . Three of Butts’ tackles were for a loss, he also assisted on two others and had a quarterback sack . . . The victory was Muller’s 101st.