High school football preseason Sweet 16: Meet the top Butler County players on defense in 2025
Football offenses get most of the headlines, but defenses can play just as much of a role in victory or defeat.
This season, Butler County-area teams return established leaders and players on the cusp of becoming stars at all three levels.
From stuffing the run and rushing the passer to breaking up passes and snagging game-changing interceptions, here are the players the Butler Eagle expects to shine the brightest this fall. It’s the Preseason Sweet 16 Defense, listed alphabetically:
He tallied 36 tackles and two interceptions as a sophomore. Had a memorable spring throwing the javelin and brings great athleticism to Butler’s defense.
A veteran of KC’s defensive front, he tallied 10 sacks a year ago, giving him 25 for his varsity career.
Seems primed to spur Knoch’s resurgence after a solid sophomore campaign that included 59 tackles, including nine for a loss, and an interception.
Nine of his 31 tackles last year came behind the line of scrimmage. Appears physically and mentally ready to lead the defense as a senior. Burchett is receiving some college interest as a defensive lineman, head coach Eric Christy said.
He has a nose for the football, evidenced by his team-leading 99 tackles and three interceptions during his junior season.
The leader of the Falcon Knights’ front on both sides of the ball, he moves from outside linebacker to the line this season. Made 90 tackles as a junior. He holds Division III offers from Westminster and Thiel.
He may earn a starting spot on the offensive line this season, but either way, he returns on defense where he led the team in tackles last year with 62.
His speed will have a major influence on offense and defense as a safety. Made 61 tackles and picked off three passes in 2024.
A key source of physicality on North’s defense, he may be used as an H-back on offense. Has received offers from Allegheny College and John Carroll.
He’s one of the reasons the Yellowjackets are thinking big in 2025. The “quarterback” of the defense, he made 120 tackles as a junior.
You’d be hard pressed to find a player who means more to his team than Gallagher. A dual threat at running back, he had 118 tackles on defense in 2024, 75 of them solo.
After playing well last year at linebacker, he will make the move to defensive end for a stout Planets defense.
He was an edge rusher last year, but will be at middle linebacker in 2025. Is being recruited by the University of Buffalo, James Madison, Miami (Ohio) and Toledo.
A mainstay on the offensive and defensive fronts, his ability was displayed last year with 76 tackles, four sacks and four interceptions.
Will be starting for the third straight year and can play multiple positions on both lines. Is the unquestioned leader for the Rockets.
He’s a disruptive force, making 107 tackles, including six sacks, last year. Also a leader on the team’s offensive line.
