Butler football, led by Nicco Baggetta and another defensive shutout, stifles Allderdice

October 10, 2024 Last Updated: October 11, 2024 12:11 AM Sports

Butler sophomore Nicholas Baggetta runs through the Taylor Allderdice defense to score the only touchdown during the first half of a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Taylor Allderice fails to intercept a pass from Butler quarterback Alec Teff during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Butler sophomore Nicholas Baggetta runs through the Taylor Allderdice defense to score the only touchdown during the first half of a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Taylor Allderice fails to intercept a pass from Butler quarterback Alec Teff during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler defeated Taylor Alliance 7-0 during a football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

BUTLER TWP — Butler football is still focused on having a winning season for the first time since 1997.

But Thursday night’s 7-0 win over visiting Taylor Allderdice — a battle of field position and power run games — may have given the Golden Tornado (4-4) a glimpse of their future.

Sophomore Nicco Baggetta saw the most extensive playing time at quarterback this season — he started one game late last season as a freshman with Butler decimated by injuries at quarterback — almost exclusively running a Wildcat offense that featured him taking an increasing percentage of snaps as the game wore on.

He got the job done — 24 carries for 68 yards and the game’s lone touchdown, a 4-yard run on fourth down where he had to bootleg left and power through two defenders with 3 minutes, 46 seconds left before halftime.

Baggetta could be an option to start at quarterback next year once incumbent Alec Teff graduates. Teff was 5 of 11 for 32 yards, doing most of his damage in the first half before the Tornado went almost exclusively Wildcat in the second.

Butler sophomore Nicco Baggetta runs through the Taylor Allderdice defense to score the only touchdown during the first half of a football game Thursday at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

“(It gives me a) ton of confidence,” Baggetta said of all the snaps he took. “It makes me feel a lot better about the guys and how we’re gonna run the offense and how it’s gonna be next year. Excited to see how it goes.”

Tornado coach Eric Christy said the team has been installing the Wildcat offense since the beginning of the season, sprinkled it in at times in games early on and then unleashed more of it the last two weeks.

“They (Allderdice) were … just stacking the box, so we knew with (Baggetta), kind of get extra guys in, let him run from that spot, get another body in to block for us,” Christy said.

It was effective enough to spot the defense just enough points to come away with a second shutout victory of the season.

That defense, too, got even more impressive plays from Baggetta.

The first was an interception in the second quarter that led to his touchdown. Baggetta stepped in front of a pass to a Dragons’ tight end and returned it 22 yards to the Allderdice 8-yard line.

“I knew it was coming,” he said. “The quarterback threw it a little bit behind, kind of a tough pass for the tight end to make.”

Baggetta later broke up a would-be touchdown pass to Lukas Stead, outleaping the tight end on a jump ball at the front of the end zone for a crucial stop. A play later, Allderdice (4-4) turned the ball over when it couldn’t convert on fourth down.

The defense was stellar all night. Butler forced three turnovers, including two in the red zone, although one of them was a gift thanks to a botched snap by the Dragons.

And Allderdice’s last drive was dashed when Butler’s Kevin Shriver and Beau Burchett knifed through the offensive line for a sack to force a punt.

Taylor Allderice fails to intercept a pass from Butler quarterback Alec Teff during a football game Thursday at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Allderdice managed just 118 rushing yards, and the duo of Mehki Butler and Trecyn Ford combined to go 9 of 17 for 98 yards.

Christy called it a team effort.

“It was just smashmouth football,” Baggetta said. “You gotta fight for every yard, it’s not easy.”

Mark Klemz added 10 carries for 35 yards for Butler’s offense, and Jacob Kollinger finished with seven touches for 12 yards on a night when neither team could get much going offensively.

Butler travels south to Wheeling, W.Va., for the final road game of the season against Wheeling Park (4-2) at 7 p.m. Oct. 18.

Taylor Allderdice 0 0 0 0 — 0

Butler 0 7 0 0 — 7

Second quarter

B — Nicco Baggetta 4 run (AJ Morris kick), 3:46

Individual Statistics

Rushing: Allderdice, Damiane Scott 9-37, Trecyn Ford 3-1, Mekhi Butler 3-14, Tai’vaun Turner 6-46, Demond Simms 2-20. Butler, Mark Klemz 10-35, Alec Teff 1-1, Jacob Kollinger 7-12, Nicco Baggetta 24-68.

Passing: Allderdice, Mekhi Butler 2-5-11-1, Trecyn Ford 7-12-87-1. Butler, Alec Teff 5-11-32-0, Nicco Baggetta 1-2-5-0.

Receiving: Allderdice, Lukas Stead 3-33, Dav’veion Lee 2-20, Kaden Ayre 1-10, Masiah Lane 1-34, Brandon Beechaum 1-4. Butler, Owen Trettel 2-12, Preston Simko 1-7, Jacob Kollinger 1-2, Nico Baggetta 1-4.