BY ADAM WINAY | STAFF REPORTER

The Butler football team won its home opener tonight against Division III Wittenberg, 49-24.

Butler bounced back with a strong performance tonight after last week’s tough season opener against South Dakota State.

Unlike last week, Butler came out of the locker room ready to score.

Butler senior running back Trae Heeter began the drive with a 52-yard rush.

Butler senior quarterback Matt Lancaster finished the drive with an 18-yard touchdown pass to sophomore wide receiver Quinn Murphy.

Four out of the six offensive possessions in the first half ended with touchdowns for the Bulldogs. Lancaster threw four touchdowns on all of Butler’s first half scoring drives.

Lancaster did not play in the second half. He finished the night with 205 passing yards on 17 attempts and threw four touchdowns. He also ended up with 37 rushing yards for the night.

The Bulldog’s defense forced five turnovers for Wittenberg. Two of the turnovers resulted in a touchdown.

Butler junior linebacker Bryce Barry had a 10-yard interception return for a touchdown and freshman defensive lineman Joshua Willis recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown.

“We play complimentary football and when the offense is down, the defense brings us up,” Lancaster said.

Butler’s next game is Sept. 14 at Franklin at 6 p.m.