Grizzlies Suffer their First Loss of Season to Coffeyville

COFFEYVILLE, Kan. — The No. 9-ranked Butler Grizzlies fell to the Coffeyville Red Ravens in their 100th all-time matchup, 31–28, on Saturday night.

Turnovers and untimely penalties were the story of the game in Butler's (3–1, 1–1) loss to Coffeyville (2–1, 2–0).

Butler was held to only seven total plays in the first quarter. On Coffeyville's second drive, the Red Ravens missed a 42-yard field goal short, but the drive continued after the Grizzlies were called for roughing the kicker. Butler held Coffeyville to yet another field goal attempt, but this time the Red Ravens capitalized, as Aidan Burgess' 37-yard attempt went through the uprights to take a 3–0 lead heading into the second quarter.

After a Grizzly three-and-out and a 16-yard punt, Coffeyville was given a short field. The Red Ravens scored again after former Grizzly Mac Armstrong completed a 26-yard touchdown pass to Khris Thomas, extending the lead to 10–0 and capping off a three-play, 38-yard drive.

With 5:57 remaining in the half, Grizzly quarterback Tate McNew's pass was intercepted by Coffeyville defensive back Robert Deal at the Coffeyville 35-yard line. The Red Ravens proceeded to score again, this time on a nine-yard touchdown run by Jordan Louie, increasing the lead to 17–0.

On the ensuing possession, the Grizzlies finally got on the board after McNew threw a 26-yard strike to DeColdest Crawford for a touchdown, cutting the Coffeyville lead to 17–7 heading into halftime.

Butler received the second-half kickoff but was held to another three-and-out. Coffeyville responded with Armstrong's second touchdown pass to Thomas, extending the lead to 24–7.

In the fourth quarter, with 12:12 remaining, McNew received a low snap and fumbled. Coffeyville recovered and returned the ball 23 yards for a scoop-and-score touchdown, taking a 31–7 lead.

However, Butler never quit. With 10:10 left, McNew found Nolan Chambers for a 42-yard touchdown pass, cutting the lead to 31–13. After forcing a Coffeyville three-and-out, McNew connected with Chambers again for an 11-yard touchdown pass with 7:06 remaining, narrowing the deficit to 31–21.

Coffeyville forced Butler to use all three timeouts on the next possession. On fourth-and-seven at the Butler 23-yard line, the Red Ravens opted to go for it rather than kick a field goal. Armstrong was sacked for a six-yard loss by Mark Debiak and Devin Davis. Butler regained possession, trailing by 10 with 1:03 left and no timeouts.

On the second play of the drive, McNew launched a deep ball to Crawford for a 66-yard touchdown—his second of the game. Butler attempted an onside kick, but Coffeyville recovered and ultimately kneeled out the clock to secure the 31–28 victory.

Freshman quarterback Tate McNew finished 16-of-25 passing for 235 yards and four touchdowns, along with two turnovers—one interception and one lost fumble. Running back Markellus Bass had another strong performance, rushing 16 times for 128 yards (8.0 yards per carry). Wide receiver DeColdest Crawford recorded six catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns, while Chambers added four catches for 84 yards and two scores.

Grizzly linebacker Justyce Betts led the defense with 13 total tackles and a six-yard sack. Devin Davis contributed 11 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.

Coffeyville now leads the all-time series with Butler, 53–45–2, having won four straight over the Grizzlies.

Next Up: Butler has two consecutive bye weeks before returning to action on October 18 with a matchup against the Highland Scotties at 3 p.m. at BG Products Veterans Sports Complex in El Dorado, Kan.