Week 8: Broncbusters fall to Butler in 2OT heartbreaker, 26–23

Posted October 29, 2025

Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 — Garden City, Kan.

Garden City Community College and Butler traded punches for six quarters in a bruising Jayhawk Conference clash — but missed chances in double overtime proved costly as the Broncbusters fell 26–23 at Broncbuster Stadium. Garden City led three different times, rushed for 271 yards, and got another clutch kick from Lucca Alcaraz Valens in overtime, but Butler’s defense delivered key stops late and Hunter Rioux’s 36-yard field goal in the second OT made the difference. GCCC drops a heartbreaker to 5–2 overall and 2–2 in conference play.

How Garden City Lost

The Broncbusters controlled tempo early and leaned on a punishing ground attack — 62 rush attempts and 22 first downs — but explosive breakdowns and short-field swings bit back. Butler needed only one play twice to score: a 28-yard shot to DeColdest Crawford and a late-third-quarter drive starting inside plus territory. Even so, Garden City headed to overtime tied 20–20, then went back in front 23–20 off Alcaraz Valens’ 29-yarder. But three trips inside the Butler 30 after halftime produced just six total points, and a second-overtime stall opened the door. Butler kicked the winner four plays later. The defense battled — one takeaway and multiple red-zone stands — but 10 penalties for 96 yards and a single giveaway shifted margins in a tight, possession-heavy slog.

Garden City Takeaways

Garden City’s identity remained clear: physicality, ground dominance, and long-possession football. DaeOnte Mitchell (95 yards), Ahmir Smith (72), and Jaydyn Sisk (66) powered a rushing attack that pushed the Broncbusters to 271 team yards and allowed them to control the ball in key stretches. The defense complemented that approach by forcing a crucial interception from Greg Johnson and holding Butler to just 281 total yards despite constant short-field pressure. Yet as well as GCCC played between the 20s, the details in high-leverage situations — third down (4-for-17) and penalties that erased prime positioning — blunted their ability to separate when they had momentum. This team proved again that it can dictate style; finishing that control with points is the next step. 

Butler Takeaways

Butler showed resilience and opportunism — traits that win deep into games. The Grizzlies didn’t pile up passing production, but their two touchdown throws came immediately after changes of possession, maximizing high-value field position. Running back Markellus Bass delivered the steady heartbeat with 144 yards on 24 carries, keeping Butler balanced and in manageable downs. Special teams ultimately defined the night: two successful field goals in overtime steadied the Grizzlies while Garden City could muster only three points across its two chances. Butler didn’t dominate statistically — but in a tight, bruising matchup, they capitalized cleanly on the scoreboard when openings appeared.

Matchup Breakdown

Sustained drives vs. strikes. Garden City owned the run game, play volume (+22 plays), and ball control… but Butler’s quick scoring drives neutralized those advantages.

Turnovers and field position. GCCC’s only lost fumble set up a one-play Butler touchdown. Their interception didn’t translate into points.

Overtime margins. Three points on two OT possessions wasn’t enough — Butler found just enough space to set up Rioux twice.

Final Game Numbers

Final: Butler CC 26, Garden City CC 23 (2OT)

Score by Quarters:

  • Butler:  0 | 7 | 13 | 0 | 3 | 3 — 26
  • GCCC: 3 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 0 — 23

QB efficiency (GCCC): Jaydyn Sisk 6-of-13 passing for 25 yards, 1 INT; added 10 rushes for 66 yards and a 9-yard touchdown run.

Explosive plays: DaeOnte Mitchell’s 33-yard touchdown run sparked the second half and capped a 6-play, 75-yard drive. Butler’s explosive responses — a 28-yard TD strike to Crawford and a 10-yard TD to Chambers — erased multiple GCCC leads.

Team Totals: 

  • GCCC: 77 plays, 295 yards (271 rush on 62 att; 24 pass), 22 first downs, 10 penalties for 96 yards, 1 INT forced / 2 turnovers (INT + fumble), 0 sacks, 4-for-4 red zone, 4-of-17 on 3rd down, 3-of-3 on 4th down.
  • Butler: 55 plays, 281 yards (183 rush on 35 att; 98 pass), 17 first downs, 10 penalties for 112 yards, 1 INT thrown / 2 takeaways, 1 sack for 6 yards, 4-of-5 red zone, 2-of-12 on 3rd down, 1-of-1 on 4th down.

Leaders (GCCC):

  • Rushing: Mitchell 16-95-1; Smith 16-72; Sisk 10-66-1; Burton 7-15.
  • Receiving: Burton 2-20; Dixon 3-8; Bennett 1-5.
  • Defense: Horn 7 tackles; Johnson INT; Clayton, Degraffenreid, and Floyde among top tacklers.

Program Snapshot

In year two under Kiyoshi Harris, the Broncbusters continue carving out a tough, run-first identity and a defense that rises in the red zone. Cleaning up penalties and finding sharper finishing in scoring territory will be pivotal as the toughest stretch of the season arrives.

Up Next

Garden City loads the buses for Council Bluffs — a massive league showdown with Iowa Western. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 at 1 PM CST. The Broncbusters enter at 5–2 (2–2 Jayhawk) and look to reclaim momentum in one of the nation’s toughest environments.

Butler returns home to take on the No. 1 in the Hutchinson Blue Dragons the same day at 7PM CST.

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