Butler Eagle’s 2024 Sweet 16 football team: Meet the county’s offensive all-stars
Every football team in the Butler County area had its own offensive identity this season.
Karns City followed a well-tested rushing blueprint to a District 9 Class 2A title game appearance. Mars and Knoch both had to adjust as the season got going, fortunately with a few senior leaders who had an abundance of know-how.
Under its fourth offensive coordinator in as many seasons, Freeport made good use of its youth — both experienced and unknown — as it got back on track. North Catholic let loose a potent passing attack that turned heads.
Each had different players stand out this season.
Here are the players that helped those squads, and others locally, as part of the 2024 Butler Eagle Sweet 16 offensive unit, listed alphabetically.
Leland Anderson, sr., OT, Butler
Leader and captain on Golden Tornado team that was rounding into a new era. Did a solid job of protecting quarterback’s blindside. As a defensive tackle, he had 21 tackles.
Adam Budzilek, jr., C, Mars
Fulcrum of Mars’ offensive front as unit had to make adjustment from air-based attack to ground-heavy. Was described as a dominant blocker by Planets head coach Eric Kasperowicz.
CJ Emrick, jr., OL, Karns City
A center who uses great technique and blocks to the whistle. His relentless motor helped the Gremlins average more than 320 rushing yards per game and score 58 offensive touchdowns.
Joey Felitsky, jr., QB, North Catholic
Began the season as an unknown, but emerged as one of the WPIAL’s top passers with 2,982 yards and 23 touchdowns. Completed 66% of his passes (236 of 355). Helped the Trojans take advantage of talented skill players on offense.
Sean Franklin, jr., OL, Mars
Probably the biggest player on the field during most of Mars’ games, Franklin stood out in stature and performance at offensive tackle. Part of blocking unit that paved the way for solid Planets ground game, earning him WPIAL all-section first team honors.
Amos Glenn, jr., RB, Freeport
An unknown commodity entering the season, had a breakout campaign on the ground. Went for 1,354 yards and 15 scores on 204 gives. Added 122 yards on 11 receptions as the Yellowjackets returned to the postseason.
Gabe Hein, jr., WR, Mars
One of the most lethal receiving threats in the WPIAL. As a pass-catcher, he piled up 939 yards and seven TDs. Added 259 rushing yards as the Planets’ offense had to undergo a midseason makeover.
Eric Kasperowicz, sr., RB, Mars
Had the most yards of any Butler County rusher with 1,401. Had 20 rushing scores. Helped keep team steady as a wildcat quarterback and a receiver out of the backfield. Leader on WPIAL Class 4A semifinalist.
Ryker Kennedy, jr., WR, North Catholic
Led the WPIAL, regardless of class, in receptions with 97. Tallied 1,229 receiving yards, a 12.7-yard average, and scored nine touchdowns. His monster season came after snagging 15 passes in 2023.
Mark Klemz, jr., RB, Butler
Gashing rusher who put up some of Golden Tornado’s best numbers in past decade. Ran for 698 yards and six touchdowns. Also had 125 receiving yards as Butler navigated a far-stretched independent gauntlet.
Codi Mullen, sr., QB, Knoch
A do-it-all talent for the Knights. Racked up 1,900 yards of total offense in six games as Knoch’s quarterback. Stepped back into that role after sliding to receiver, despite being the program’s all-time leading passer. Also had 75 tackles and five interceptions on defense.
Drew Ross, jr., QB, Freeport
Took the next step as talented dual-threat passer operating the Yellowjackets’ offense for a second year. Accounted for 25 total touchdowns. Threw for 1,372 yards while also rushing for 529 yards. Guided Freeport to a WPIAL playoff appearance.
Hunter Scherer, jr., RB, Karns City
Used his bruising running style to tally 794 yards on the ground. Totaled 982 yards from scrimmage and scored 16 total touchdowns. Had 23 tackles and two sacks on defense.
Braden Slater, sr., RB, Karns City
Thrived in an expanded role in the team’s powerful ground attack, rushing for 689 yards on just 61 carries, an 11.3 yards-per-carry average. Also took over as KC’s placekicker and tallied 57 points with his foot. Won the Butler Eagle Scoring Trophy with 163 points. Made 36 tackles as a linebacker/defensive back.
Sean Slaughenhoupt, jr., OL, Karns City
KC’s best lineman, he was able to play left and right guard depending on where the Gremlins wanted to attack opposing defenses. Has the speed and strength to pull on trap plays and lead block on outside plays. Earned All-Region 1 honors.
Jack White, sr., WR, North Catholic
Provided North’s quarterbacks with a reliable option opposite Ryker Kennedy. Caught 38 passes for 753 yards, a 19.8-yard average, and eight touchdowns.
Tom Arth, jr., QB/WR, North Catholic; Mason Childress, sr., WR, Mars; Cam Ealy, sr., OL, Karns City; Jacob Reich, sr., OL, Slippery Rock; Preston Simko, jr., WR, Butler; Tommy Wuycheck, jr., OL, Seneca Valley
