Butler's Offense Sputters in Battle of Unbeatens

The football team suffered a 35-7 loss to Mountain Lakes on the road Saturday in a game that featured two previously unbeaten teams. The Bulldogs scored the game's first touchdown, but Mountain Lakes responded with two in the second quarter and three more in the fourth.

For a full photo gallery of the game, click here.

In short

Butler came out strong and took advantage of a Mountain Lakes fumble on the 35-yard line early in the first quarter.  Butler quarterback Chris Heredia tossed a 40-yard completion to Kirc Bargamento to open the scoring. The Bulldogs held the lead until Mountain Lakes scored twice in the second quarter.

Butler could not find a way to score and was limited on the ground with less than 100 yards rushing. Butler's struggles were partly due to its own bad snaps and turnovers.

Bulldog of the game

Kirc Bargamento, wide receiver—Bargamento had 6 receptions for 103 yards and the only Bulldog touchdown on the day. 

Top Bulldog offensive performances:

PASSING: Heredia (22 of 48 for 252 yards and 1 TD)

RUSHING: Tenned (17 carries for 67 yards)

RECEIVING: Bargamento (6 receptions for 103 yards and 1 TD)

Top Bulldog defensive performances:

TACKLING: Arabia (3 tackles and 3 assists)

TOUGH OPPONENT

Max Boerstoel (Mountain Lakes wide receiver): Boerstoel had 5 receptions for 121 yards and a TD.

They said it

"This game shows our inexperience. We missed field goals, had bad snaps, fumbles, turnovers. Anything that could go wrong, did go wrong. And on the last play of the half, after playing so well, we give them (Mountain Lakes) a bone. I tell the kids, Mountain Lakes, they just expect to win. They are calm. We ride that roller coaster. Today, they shut us down and we were very uncharacteristic offensively. We were not doing what we should have done. It will be interesting to see how we respond next week against Kinnelon."—Bulter head football coach Jim Matsakis

Up Next—The Bulldogs will host Kinnelon Friday, 7 p.m.