CHERRY TWP — Head coach Jeff Campbell appreciates the history of the Butler Eagle Scoring Trophy.

Now James Shope does, too.

This season, Shope became the first player in Moniteau High history to win the award, which goes to the football player who scores the most points in Butler County during the regular season.

Overall, Shope scored 136 points, Aaron Markle of Karns City scored 116 and Austin Miele of Mars scored 84.

"It means a lot to me because no one else at Moniteau has ever done this," Shope said. "One of our goals this year was to put our school on the map.

"This is one step toward doing that."

The 5-foot-8, 170-pound Shope posted numbers at Moniteau much larger than his physical frame. He had 210 carries for 1,453 yards and 21 touchdowns for the Warriors, adding six receptions for 110 yards and another TD.

His accomplishments extend far beyond the 2009 campaign, however:

• Shope became the first running back to post three 1,000-yard seasons at Moniteau.

• He rushed for 3,762 yards as a varsity player, shattering Bill Staab's previous school record of 3,229.

• He scored 54 career touchdowns, shattering Matt Schandelmeier's previous school record of 33.

• He caught 28 passes for 374 yards and three TDs in his career and rushed for 267 yards and two TDs in his final high school game.

"I'm proud of everything James accomplished in our program," Campbell said. "I'm especially proud of this trophy coming to our school."

Campbell has contributed to previous Eagle Scoring Trophy winners. He coached 1994 winner Cory Hooks at Union. He coached 1993 winner Rick Belles and 2002 winner Matt Carnahan of Karns City at East Brady.

Campbell knows 2008 winner Jono Powell of Slippery Rock and his family well.

"There are names of a lot of great backs on this trophy," Campbell said. "Once your name goes on there, it's on there forever. James Shope deserves to be remembered that way.

"When we played teams more talented than us, we felt good because we had James on our side. He was an equalizer. You always have a chance for a big play with him on the field."

Shope was quick to recognize his offensive linemen "for getting me this trophy. Those guys have been blocking for me since eighth grade."

Four of the linemen — left tackle Jacob Boy, left guard Robert Moore, right guard Mark Zanella and right tackle Mike George — are seniors. Center Jordan Smith is a junior.

Justin Sanderson was Moniteau's fullback during Shope's junior year. David Campbell, a sophomore, took over that role this year.

"James was more of a slashing-type runner when he first cracked our lineup," Campbell said. "Over time, he adjusted into following the fullback and running straight at people.

"Seeing a defender standing in front of you and trusting your fullback to get that guy out of there is an important step for a running back."

Shape is being recruited by numerous Division II and III colleges. He hasn't made any official visits yet.

Shope smiled as he eyed the trophy, thinking aloud about his offensive linemen.

"We got this thing together," he said. "That's an awesome feeling — awesome. I won't forget it."

Here are the winners of the Butler Eagle Scoring Trophy, presented annually to the highest scoring football player in Butler County:<B>Year - Winner - (School) - Pts.</B>2009 - James Shope - (Moniteau) - 1192008 - Jono Powell - (Slippery Rock) - 1022007 - Bill Bair - (Mars) - 2042006 - Bill Bair - (Mars) - 1502005 - Paul Ferrese - (Mars) - 962004 - Josh Fiscus - (Karns City) - 942003 - Josh Fiscus - (Karns City) - 116Tie - Travis Sarver - (Slippery Rock) - 1162002 - Matt Carnahan - (Karns City) - 1522001 - Billy Graham - (Karns City) - 1862000 - Josh Kniess - (Slippery Rock) - 1921999 - Mike Leach - (A-C Valley) - 1981998 - Mike Leach - (A-C Valley) - 1461997 - Steve Spiker - (A-C Valley) - 1241996 - Jason Hackwelder - (A-C Valley) - 1321995 - Jeremy Scherer - (Karns City) - 84