CHARLOTTE, NC -- Butler and Independence ended the regular season with one of the best games of the year friday night at Memorial Stadium. The Bulldogs (9-2, 6-1) stunned the Patriots (9-2, 6-1) in a game that was filled with huge plays.

After a scoreless opening quarter, Hawatha Bell put Butler on the board when he raced down the sideline for the first touchdown of the game. Rod Chisholm evened things up when he found the endzone on a 26-yard run that tied the game at seven. After Butler failed on a 4th and inches late in the half, Anthony Carrothers hooked up with Michael Rhynes for a long touchdown as the Patriots took a 13-7 lead into the half.

Butler regained the lead on the opening drive of the second half. Jarrett Boykin hauled in a short pass and turned it into a big gain all the way down to the two yard line. That set up Bell's second touchdown of the game as the Bulldogs pulled back in front, 14-13. Later in the third, Indy wide receiver Lawrence Martin dashed down the sideline for a 44-yard touchdown reception. The extra point gave the Patriots a 20-14 lead with just over three minutes to play in the third quarter.

With six minutes to play in the game and Indy leading by six, Charest lofted one to the corner of the endzone for Robert Blanton. Blanton made an amazing one-handed grab for the touchdown. The extra point gave the Bulldogs a 21-20 advantage. A late fumble by Butler gave the Patriots one final chance. However, the Pats drive stalled after an incompletion on 4th down from the Butler 28.

Notes: Independence played the game without Head Coach Tom Knotts. Knotts was suspended for the game after being involved in an incident with a parent on Thursday. Defensive Coordinator Bill Geiler took over the duties.