Butler @ Independence

What was the attendence at the game and how much was the half and half pot?

 

All I can tell you is I have gone every year to a game featuring Independence vs somebody for the last 6 years at Memorial Stadium and this game was by far the largest attended...but dadgummit...I forgot all about the 50/50. I wonder what the numbers were?

In my mind the turning point in the game was a play called that makes Tommy Knotts stand out from others:

4th and one and the Patriots had stalled out in Butler's territory during the 3rd qtr. The game was still close, Butler appeared to have new life and BAM...faking an off tackle handoff that fooled everyone in the stadium, the qb waited a second...turned...and took off around his backside for a touchdown!!! You could actually hear whatever air was left in Butler evaporate.

It was the 1st time I had seen Butler play this year and 3 things jump out at you:

- Their QB is very, very good. He reminds me a lot of Joe Cox. Can throw on the run or with pressure in his face.
- Houston is the real deal. I'm kind of surprised they didn't run him outside a bit. He is deceptively fast with good cut back skills.
- Despite Indy scoring at will, Butler can smashmouth with the best of them. Stupid penalties was their achilles heel. I guarantee you they're many Indy players nursing some major soreness today.

Last, this was one of the best coached HS games by Independence I have ever seen. They had a game plan that was executed to near perfection...plus...they made instant adjustments when necessary. Something I wish the Panthers' could learn from.

Offensively, Tommy Knotts is a genius. Just an incredible coach!

 

the place was nearly full (and I mean nearly)...I would say 20K in the place, maybe more.

The never announced what the 50-50 was...but that coulda been a monster.

 

INDEPENDENCE-BUTLER NOTEBOOK
Independence, Butler profit from big game
Schools make estimated $87,000 after 20,000 fans watch semifinal
LANGSTON WERTZ JR.
[email protected]
With an estimated 20,000 fans at Memorial Stadium for Saturday's Independence-Butler N.C. 4AA semifinal, both schools should make a nice profit.

According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools officials, Independence paid $17,535 in expenses to cover things like police, field prep and officials. At Independence, that figure averages $7,734, CMS said.

With tickets at $8 and assuming all 20,000 paid, the schools would divide a $160,000 pot minus expenses. The N.C. High School Athletic Association gets $1 off every ticket and 25 percent of the gross -- leaving just over $87,000 for the schools to split after expenses.

If the game were played at Independence, assuming a 4,500-seat sellout, that payout figure would've been closer to $8,500 for each school after expenses.

• Independence's 30-24 double-overtime victory against Butler Nov. 3 in its season-finale was the Patriots' 73rd straight regular-season victory. The N.C. record for consecutive regular season wins is 74, set by Hickory Ridgeview from 1957-65.

• The Memorial Stadium clean-up crew did a good job, with 21 people cleaning the stadium after the Pioneer Bowl Saturday. By 6 p.m., the stadium was clean, 30 minutes before ticket windows opened for Butler-Independence. The stadium turf also held up well.

• A photographer from USA Today was at the game.

• Butler had eight 15-yard penalties, including two in the final two minutes when two players were ejected after unsportsmanlike penalties.

• Some of the biggest cheers came when the PA announcer gave updates on Southern California losing to UCLA and Florida -- with former Independence star Chris Leak at quarterback -- winning the SEC title and possibly qualifying for the national championship game.

After Florida's 38-28 win, Leak had his father call to check on his alma mater.

• Next week, Independence coach Tom Knotts will make his 10th appearance in the state championship game since 1987. Knotts lost in the 1987, '91 and '93 finals. He won in 1995 at West Charlotte, from 2000-03 at Independence and in 2005.

• Butler fans started leaving after Independence's Darryl McFadden ran 24 yards for a touchdown to give the Patriots a 42-17 lead with 3 minutes, 30 seconds left in the third quarter. Knotts turned to the Patriots crowd and urged them to cheer.