Butler, Wheaton North roll past Addison Trail

Reece Butler rushed for two scores and passed for another two as Wheaton North rolled to a 31-0 opening night victory at home Friday night over Addison Trail.

Three-and-outs highlighted the first quarter for both teams until the closing seconds of the period. Wheaton North quarterback Reece Butler connected on a 21-yard pass to put the Falcons deep into Blazers territory.

The Falcons' offense couldn't move the chains any further and settled for a 26-yard field goal off the foot of Marcin Gawlak.

The Addison Trail offense looked like it had a spark of life in it after quarterback Anthony Catanese connected with receiver Delricien Smith for a large gain. However, Smith couldnt hang on to the ball while running after the catch and fumbled it back to the Blazers. Wheaton North took over at its own 26-yard line.

In the next play from scrimmage, the Falcons took full advantage. Butler found a streaking Shaniel Katariwala down the sideline for a 74-yard touchdown strike.

"That play gave us confidence we have the potential to be a quick strike team," said Wheaton North coach Joe Wardynski.

The Falcons offense opened up the second half with its most impressive drive of the game, starting with a 31-yard run by Patrick Sharp.

Butler's accurate arm continued to shine in the next couple of plays from scrimmage. He found Richard Finley on consecutive passes to set up the ball inside the Blazers' 1-yard line. Butler capped off the drive by blasting through the Blazers defense.

The Falcons sealed the win when Butler faked an inside draw to Sharp, then bounced it 39 yards for his second rushing touchdown of the game.

"With our read offense the defense ended up paying attention to Sharp and I was able to squeak free," Butler said. "(Sharp) did a great job opening up things for me."

Catanese was contained by the Falcons defense.

"We talked to our defensive line all week about holding their gap," Wardynski said. "With a guy like (Catanese) you have to stay in your gap."

Catanese showcased his superior athleticism by making crushing tackles as an outside linebacker for the Blazers.

The Falcons defense kept Addison Trail punter Trevor Bermingham busy all night. Bermingham had seven punts before he got into the game as a running back late in the fourth.

The Falcons will stay home to face Lincoln-Way East next Friday. Addison Trail hosts Lyons Twp.