Bourne's Butler thrives at MMA

The rangy 6-foot-3, 200-pounder, who played his high school ball at Bishop Stang, decided to join sibling Alex in their hometown at nearby Massachusetts Maritime Academy, where he has been an important contributor for the past three seasons.

"It was a blast playing with Alex, not only here at Mass. Maritime, but also back in high school at Bishop Stang," said Butler, who has helped lead the Bucs to a 4-3 record, including a 3-1 mark in the NEFC Bogan Division.

He is part of a strong local MMA contingent which also includes senior defensive lineman Peter Avitabile of Sagamore Beach, junior offensive lineman Chris Dintino of Mashpee, speedy sophomore running back Barry Reopell of South Dennis, freshman defensive back Devin Andrade of Mashpee, freshman offensive lineman Sean Marshall of Sandwich and freshman defensive lineman Rob Collett of Pocasset.

Butler came into this season listed as a tight end on the roster, but the MMA coaching staff quickly realized his heart — and talent — belonged on the defensive side of the ball.

"Defense is the place to be for me," said Butler, a Jason Taylor clone who plays defensive end in sub-packages and linebacker in the base 34 defense. "I've always liked to hit and initiate contact out there on the field."

In last Saturday's 34-7 romp over visiting Fitchburg State, Butler set the edge as a starting defensive end/linebacker with six solo tackles and a two quarterback sacks on Falcons' signal-caller Jeremy Kimber.

"It felt good making those plays (on the quarterback)," said Butler. "He (Kimber) was the fastest player on the field and we did a good job containing him and making the right calls on defense."

Two weeks ago, Butler was named New England Football Conference Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts in the Buccaneers' 21-13 victory at Worcester State. He had a career-high 14 total tackles, including six solo stops and a sack, and set up Mass. Maritime's winning TD by blocking a field goal with just over three minutes remaining in the game, turning a 13-7 deficit into a 14-13 lead.

"Walter is a tremendous athlete who can disrupt the passing game with his speed and length," MMA coach Jeremy Cameron said. "We had moved him over to our offense as a tight end because of his versatility, but needed him more on defense."

Last season, Butler totaled 15½ tackles (12 solo), and led the Bucs with 4½ sacks, after ranking third on the team with 51 total tackles (39 solo) as a freshman.

Brother Alex had 20½ tackles (14 solo) for the Bucs last season, three pass breakups, one fumble recovery, a forced fumble and one blocked kick.

The Bucs travel to Castine, Maine on Saturday for a big game against archrival Maine Maritime Academy.