Arch rivals, the Independence Patriots and the Butler Bulldogs, faced off November 6th, 2009, to a sold out crowd. Known as the “Super Bowl” of North Carolina high school football games, all involved knew this would be a big night. Both teams were coming into the game with undefeated seasons and national rankings.

Emotions were running high as the Scholar Athletes took the field with their Marine Corps escorts for the pre-game presentation. Alex Polofsky and Benjamin Mallouky were honored, along with their parents, and graciously thanked the Marines in attendance for their sponsorship.

MVP

Jawuan Edward
Butler

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Benjamin Mallouky

Independence

The scholarship recipient from Independence High School is Benjamin Mallouky. Benjamin is a four-year member of the Independence varsity football team. He has also lettered in the varsity golf for three years. He is ranked in the top 15 students of his class of over 500. He has been the varsity football team captain and scholar athlete, is a member of the National Honor Society, and is fluent in two languages. Benjamin also volunteers every Saturday morning with the Special Olympics mentoring and teaching golf to young athletes. Benjamin is interested in attending Princeton, Cornell, UNC-Chapel Hill, or Davidson College.
Alex Polofski

Butler

Alex Polofski is a four-year letterman on the varsity football team and a team captain for Butler High School. He is also a three-year letterman in track and was selected to play in the 2009 NC vs. SC Shrine Bowl Game. Alex won the DAR Good Citizens Award for Butler, is a member of the National Honor Society, and is a National Merit Scholar. Princeton, Harvard, and Duke are among possible colleges where he will pursue a business degree.

HALL OF FAME

Mario Crowe

Independence

Kenny Moore

Butler

GAME SUMMARY

Independence deferred the ball to start off the game and Butler took control after that. The Patriots did not come out with the same intensity of the Bulldogs, turning over the ball several times and missing big plays. Butler collected an early first half lead of 24-7 and Patriot fans began to wondering if their team came to play. The Bulldogs, led by Jawaun Edwards, dominated the second half of the game continuing to put points on the board. The Patriots did make a push for a late game comeback, but a fumble in Butler's 20 ruined those chances. Butler came out to prove why they are the #1 ranked team in North Carolina and prove it they did. Jawaun Edwards, named the USMC Rivalry Series MVP, accepted his medal and trophy in front of his cheering teammates and coaches. The Marines then presented head Coach Mike Newsome with the Championship Trophy. Coach Newsome took a moment to address the Marines in attendance in front of his team thanking them for their service.

GAME GALLERY