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Michalek producing with football in his hands

Luke Michalek

BUTLER TWP — Butler’s offense holds no secrets.

The football is being snapped to No. 5. The ball will likely be run by No. 5. The ball will rarely leave the hands of No. 5.

No. 5 is Luke Michalek.

And good luck stopping him.

He played wide receiver last season. He began this year at running back. A few weeks ago, he was shifted to quarterback.

“Each move was for the same reason,” Butler coach Rob Densmore said. “He’s our best athlete. Get the ball in his hands more often.”

That includes kickoff and punt returns. Michalek has returned one kickoff for a touchdown and he’s averaging more than 12 yards per punt return.

Michalek has 1,146 all-purpose yards so far this season. He is averaging six yards per carry — 94 carries for 577 yards — and has a chance to become the Golden Tornado’s first 1,000-yard rusher since Calvin Littlejohn in 2003.

“That would mean a lot to me,” Michalek said. “(Offensive lineman) Jake Kradel and I have talked about that. I do a lot of running right behind him.

A full report appears in the Butler Eagle.

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