By Ron McCann

Charlotte: The Butler Bulldogs beat the Patriots of Independence 31-24 Friday night for the third time in Butler school history. With Memorial Stadium undergoing renovations, the annual showdown between the top two 4A teams in NC (as of last Friday) was played before a jam-packed crowd at Independence.

(Photo: Butler’s #4 Kris Frost holds off a Patriot's defender. More game gallery photos on www.SportPixNC.com and www.MaxPreps.com).

Butler's strong ground game dominated the second half of play with the Bulldog's Jawaun Edwards scoring 2 TDs and earning MVP honors.

The Patriots were plagued with interceptions in the first half but came back in the second with two passing TDs. Independence had a chance to tie the game late in the 4th quarter but fumbled in the red zone.

There is a good chance these two talented teams will face each other again in the upcoming playoffs.

(Photos: Game MVP, Butler running back #32 Jawaun Edwards. More game photos at www.SportPixNC.com and www.MaxPreps.com)