CS snaps APS win streak

  • Published
  • By Tyler Hemstreet
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Quarterback Anthony Butler threw for three touchdowns and ran for another, leading the 62nd Communications Squadron to a 26-13 victory over the 62nd Aerial Port Squadron Tuesday night at Rainier Field.

The win earned CS its 11th victory of the season and snapped a 10-game winning streak by APS.

Butler, a starting running back at the Air Force Academy from 2001 to 2004, ranks 19th all-time on the career rushing list with 1,525 yards.

"It's all mental," Butler said. "You have to think you're the best player out there, and you can be."

The Division I-bred confidence Butler has brought with him has rubbed off on the team, teammates say.

But it was APS that looked strong early, putting together a strong opening drive and getting on the board first with a 2-yard touchdown run by quarterback Anthony Calogero. CS answered with a drive of its own, taking the ball all the way to the goal line before turning it over on downs with just under eight minutes left in the half.

But the CS defense bailed out the offense as Mark Melchert picked off Calogero at the APS 10-yard line, giving CS prime field position.

"When we get a turnover that deep, it's pretty much automatic," Butler said.

It was indeed, as CS scored just two plays later when Butler found David Crespo with a 5-yard touchdown pass. A conversion on the extra point gave CS a 7-6 lead, one it wouldn't relinquish.

After CS got the ball back with two minutes left in the half, Butler rolled left and unleashed a 50-yard bomb which landed softly in the hands of Josh McClanathan.
Butler and McClanathan hooked up again on the opening drive of the second half, giving CS a 20-6 lead. APS refused to quit as Calogero tossed a 10-yard strike to Joseph Quiroga, cutting the CS lead to 20-13 after the extra point conversion.

A 5-yard touchdown run by Butler with 2 minutes 40 seconds left on the clock capped the win for CS.

While Butler's rocket arm and quick feet led the charge, the receiving core was flawless as Butler completed all but a few passes.

"We're just playing as a team," McClanathan said. "People have just gotten into their role with the team."

Participation has also played a large role in CS's success this year, McClanathan said.
"We've never had to play with seven," he said. "We've always had at least nine or ten guys out here. Last year we struggled to get seven a lot. Consistency and the same guys coming out have been big."

APS fell to 10-2 on the year, while CS improved to 11-2.