The Bulldogs and their QB have made it a habit exceeding expectations

            The Butler Bulldogs bid for a perfect season came to an end against their rivals, Independence, in their regular season finale.  The 32-41 loss to the Patriots cost Butler the chance to repeat as the 4A Conference Champs.  Despite the loss, Butler has had a truly remarkable season.  After being written off as possible title contenders in most preseason assessments, the inexperienced Bulldogs have flourished under the leadership of the coaching staff led by Head Coach Mike Newsome.  The Butler program is known for developing exceptional players, case in point the emergence of their quarterback Christian LeMay. 

Butler QB Christian LeMay

            The Butler/Independence is the most highly anticipated game of the season in Charlotte and probably state.  LeMay had a few rough moments courtesy of a tough Independence defenses, throwing two interceptions in what was perhaps biggest game he has ever played.  However the 6-foot-2 190 pound sophomore, that’s right sophomore, did not lose his poise despite a less than stellar start and ended the game throwing for 162 yards with two touchdown passes. 

“I made a couple of mistakes that really hurt us so hopefully the next time we see them I won’t make these mistakes, I promise you I won’t,”  LeMay says of his performance against the Patriots.

Despite what was a disappointing loss, LeMay has had a terrific year as a first-year starter that puts him among the elite quarterbacks in the city.  A remarkable feat given that at the beginning of the season the position of starting quarterback seemed up in the air with both LeMay and Jay Hitselberger, a junior, emerging as the main contenders as the preseason came to an end.  When the regular season began, LeMay quickly grabbed the position and didn’t let go.  LeMay had helped an inexperienced Butler team go 10-1 with his 14 touchdown passes and 1,428 passing yards.

“Some people tell me that I have a stronger arm, but I don’t believe it,” the humble quarterback says of the attention his arm has received.  His arm could be compared to a cannon, releasing passes that are thrown hard in a tight spiral much like New England quarterback Tom Brady.  Those passes were on occasion a bit too hard for the Butler receivers to handle, but there is no concern about them reaching their target.  LeMay’s two touchdown passes against a swarming Independence defense went for 20 and 40 yards.  LeMay has a great amount of raw talent that he will refine with the help of Butler’s coaching staff.

“I listen to my coach and he says that he’s definitely going to get me there as long as I listen and be submissive.  I agree with him. Look at what he’s done with Jake Charest; he’s up there at Illinois about to get his chance.  I’m up for whatever he says and I’m listening.” 

In today’s football culture, a team’s offense is thought to live and die by the performance of its quarterback.  While LeMay has garnered a lot of attention for his role in the Bulldog offense, and rightfully so, he credits his receivers for enabling his playmaking abilities.

“My great receivers, they’ve been getting out breaks well, catching the ball and then giving me lots of yards after the catch.  It’s a team effort but I just get the credit for it,” LeMay adds, “I attribute my success to a lot of people actually.”

 LeMay realizes in order to develop into the quarterback he hopes to be he has to rely on the help of others.  A source of inspiration and support has been former Independence and Florida Gator quarterback, Chris Leak who he has know since childhood and remains in contact.  He also credits his father and his brother for working out with him and working on developing the tools necessary for being successful. 

LeMay has a lot to look forward to in his football career, which will surely not to end in high school.  Despite being just a sophomore, he reveals that he has received attention from Duke, Virginia, and other area college programs.   However this is the furthest thing from his mind at this point.  LeMay and the Bulldogs now turn their attention to the second round of the playoffs.

As LeMay puts it, “we’ve got to take it one game at a time right now because this is a lose and go home situation now.”  Don’t rule out a possible rematch between the Bulldogs and the Patriots which would happen in the third round.

Of that possibility LeMay says, “We’re probably going to see them again because Indy’s a good football team and we’re going to get them in the playoffs.”

            It remains to be seen whether this may be the year that Butler gets their first state championship title.  In this do or die situation LeMay will be looked on to lead the team to the Promised Land, what would be an intimidating situation for any person.  This does not appear to be the case with LeMay who conducts himself with maturity and composure beyond his years which will aid him in the playoffs, win or lose.  Whether they win the state title or not this year, Butler is sure to be a contender the next few years with LeMay at the helm of the offense.