Offense sputters, Conqs drop 3rd straight

EL DORADO–No. 13 Butler suffocated Dodge City’s offense Saturday, keeping them out of the end zone for the second time in a game this season, and slowly pulled away for a 30-3 win at BG Products Veterans Sports Complex.

The Grizzlies limited Dodge to just 194 total yards, six first downs and forced nine punts. The Conqs were only able to muster 48 yards on the ground.

Trailing 3-0 in the second quarter, the Conqs used a big catch-and-run from Kam’Ryn Thomas, who led Dodge in receiving yards with 55, although it would mark his only catch of the game. They were unable to punch it in though, and rather than going for it on fourth down and goal, they settled for a Dylan Seeker 19-yard field goal to tie the game.

Butler went on to score the game’s final 27 points, headlined by two touchdown grabs from AJ King, who entered the contest second in the nation in receiving yards per game. He finished with seven catches for 125 yards.

Azhuan Dingle also dominated for the Grizzlies on the ground, rushing 28 times for 164 yards and a touchdown. 

Dodge City quarterback Grant Ciccarone completed 13-of-29 passes for 146 yards, but was picked off three times.

Butler has won 23 of the last 25 games–excluding a forfeit–against the Conqs.

Dodge City falls to 3-6 with the loss and 1-4 in KJCCC play.

The Conquistadors conclude their regular season Saturday when they host Independence. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT.