Butler Falls to Pompton Lakes in Season Finale

If there was any proof needed that the football team gave its all on the field during last Friday night’s state tournament loss to Glen Rock, it was provided on Thursday.

The Bulldogs didn’t seem to have anything left to give.

A brilliant season ended for Butler in its 15-7 loss to Pompton Lakes in the final regular season contest for the two teams on Wednesday.

Senior back Mike Tenned scored the only Bulldogs touchdown on a 3-yard run in the third quarter. Butler finished its season at 8-3. Pompton Lakes improved to 10-1 and will be playing Glen Rock for the North 1, Group I state title at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Dec. 2.

Because of the looming title game, the Cardinals played a number of reserves in order to avoid injuries to their starters. Sophomore backup quarterback Kevin Magee took advantage of a rare start and was 11 of 19 for 140 yards passing. He also tossed a pair of touchdowns for Pompton Lakes.

It would have taken extra helpings of mental toughness and emotion for the Bulldogs to capture this contest. Although the game does renew an old rivalry, it is not one that the current Bulldogs are accustomed to yet. The minds of this year’s players seemed to be set on last Friday’s game when it lost to Glen Rock 17-14 on a late 42-yard field goal and was eliminated from state play. With a game on a short week and the holiday looming, there really was nothing for Butler to play for, with the exception of giving its seniors one more chance for glory on their home field.

“It was hard going into this game knowing what happened last week and knowing what [Pompton Lakes] was going to be doing next week,’’ Tenned said. “It was a very hard game to be a part of. It was a devastating loss last weekend and I know a lot of guys didn’t recover from that.’’

Butler coach Jim Matsakis seemed to understand how his team felt and tried to rally them in giving one more strong performance. He didn’t seem angry afterwards but was at a loss for words on how his team played.

“We just didn’t focus today,’’ Matsakis said. “Last week kind of ended it for us. [Pompton Lakes] is on a mission. They rested all their kids and got their young kids some work. For us it was all focus. It wasn’t anything other than that.’’

It didn’t help that the weather and field conditions for the contest were so poor. The heavy rain over the last two days made the Butler field mushy and muddy, which didn’t make it easy for Tenned or the other Butler backs or receivers to break free. As the game progressed, a biting 20-mile-an-hour wind intensified, which made passing treacherous.

There were also numerous fumbles between teams, with a surprising amount of them on snaps from center. The choppy play made the game as tedious to watch as it was to play. Butler had six turnovers in all, four fumbles and two interceptions.

“The weather played a huge part in it,’’ Butler’s Brandon Hurtt said. “The ball was slippery. Everything was all messed up.’’

Pompton Lakes led 6-0 at the half. The Cardinals opened the game with a 10-play, 69-yard drive. Pompton Lakes scored on a 1-yard-pass from Magee to Dennis McNamara, but the extra point was missed.

That score remained until halftime as both teams struggled, turning the ball over often during the first half.

The Bulldogs offense was at its best in the opening second-half drive. The Bulldogs marched 70 yards in 11 plays. Tenned, who finished with 80 yards on 24 carries, grounded out most of the yardage on the ground but quarterback Chris Heredia’s 18 yard scamper on a third-and-four put the ball on the Pompton Lakes’ 6-yard-line. Tenned plunged in two plays later and Alberto Bresett’s kick made it 7-6 with 7:47 left in the third quarter.

The Bulldogs would have more possessions but their drives were stunted by penalties and mistakes.

A pass interception by Sean Lindbergh deep in Butler territory led to a 23-yard field goal by Anthony Capobianco to give Pompton Lakes a 9-7 edge with 2:18 left in the third quarter. Early in the fourth quarter a Bulldogs fumble gave the Cardinals the ball at midfield.

A pass interference penalty helped the 5-play Pompton Lakes drive which ended with a 20-yard TD toss from Magee to Ryan Kazanowski with 8:10 left in the game. Butler blocked the extra point to keep it a one score game.

The Bulldogs got good field position on Tennes’ kickoff return with the help of a facemask penalty but then fumbled the ball right back. They had the ball twice more but never got it inside the Pompton Lakes 40-yard line.

After whistles and handshakes the Bulldogs didn’t spend much time on the field. They proceeded to the field house where they quietly handed in their equipment. There was little to say. The Butler athletes were proud of what they accomplished this season and saddened that it ended in a game like this.

“I’m just going to remember all the guys I played with,’’ Tenned said. “They dug down a lot this year. I knew what they were capable of and they exceeded all my expectations. I gave props to everyone on this team.’’

There would be no more trips to the rock, the team's gathering place near Butler High School to celebrate their victories. Although the Bulldogs were set on loftier goals, their record of a successful football season is secure and so are its memories.

“I’ll always remember the first state game at home (against Pequannock) because it was the first home playoff game we’ve had in a long time,’’ Hurtt said. “It’s great to be a part of that tradition and bring all that back. And I’ll always remember the beginning of the season with all the hard work and the preparation we put in. You could tell it showed off in our record.’’