EL DORADO, Kan. — Entering tonight’s contest, both the Blue Dragons (4-4) and Grizzlies (5-3) had struggled offensively.

It only seemed appropriate that the first two touchdowns of the game came on defensive scores.

Butler lit up the scoreboard first with a 33-yard interception return for a TD.

It was the second interception thrown by Cam Jones, but perhaps this one wasn’t his fault.

The pass slipped through the receiver’s hands and safely into the arms of Fontez Davis, who strolled into the end zone.

Jones threw an interception on the first drive of the game after marching into the red zone. His screen pass was picked by Kaman Cooper Jr. on a drive that was sure to produce early points.

HCC tied the game late in the first quarter on a Ronheen Bingham fumble recovery in the end zone.

David Isreal lost control of the ball in the field of play and it immediately rolled into the end zone where three Blue Dragons and two Grizzlies had an opportunity to fall on it. It was the ball-hawking Bingham who finally cashed in on the recovery.

Butler’s defense picked Cam Jones once again and gave its offense great field positioning inside the HCC 5. Josh Wilkes caught a 9-yard pass from Isreal to reclaim the Butler lead.

The Grizzlies were able to strike again with 1:14 left before halftime on a 5-yard Kevon Abrams run.

With little time left, Cam Jones hit Gary Cross on a reception that put the Blue Dragons 1 yard away from pay dirt.

Tre Griffin finished off the attack with a 1-yard leap into the end zone.

HCC trailed 21-14 at the half.

There was only one score in the second half.

It came with 3:04 left in the third on a 26-yard Luke Niemeyer field goal.

An impressive drive for the Blue Dragon offense stalled when it mattered most.

Neither team would score again.

FINAL: Butler 21 HCC 17

HCC had plenty of chances in the fourth to move the ball, but could never get back inside field goal range.

The Blue Dragon defense nearly got to a Butler punt late in the fourth, but Joseph Stevens escaped the HCC pressure after a bad snap. He scooped the ball at the 2 between two defenders. Being chased from behind, Stevens had the presence of mind to punt the ball just before crossing the line of scrimmage.

HCC will be home against Independence (1-7) next Saturday at noon.