The Butte College football team showcased a powerful performance in their season opener, defeating Reedley College 38-7 at Cowan Stadium on September 1, 2025. The Roadrunners made an immediate impact, scoring a touchdown on just their third play of the game. Running back Niall Raby sprinted 71 yards to the end zone, setting the tone for a dominant afternoon.
Coach Robby Snelling praised his team’s execution during the game. “The guys up front blocked it really well, and Niall made a great run and had some good blocks downfield,” he said. The early touchdown was a perfect start, as it is rare to score so quickly in a season opener.
Butte’s offense continued to thrive throughout the first quarter. After a solid defensive stop that forced Reedley to punt, the Roadrunners regained possession. Dion Coleman, a standout from nearby Chico High, scored his first college touchdown with a 2-yard carry, capping off an 11-play, 58-yard drive. This touchdown extended Butte’s lead to 14-0, showcasing their offensive depth as they saw four different running backs find the end zone.
The Roadrunners’ rushing attack was impressive, amassing a total of 282 yards on the ground. Quarterback Amare’ Cooper contributed with four rushing yards and successfully passed for 122 yards along with one touchdown.
Defensively, Butte College was equally formidable, limiting Reedley’s rushing game to no yards. Standouts on defense included Jeremiah Johnson, who secured 1.5 sacks and made 3.5 tackles for loss. The team collectively recorded five sacks and forced two fumbles, showcasing their ability to disrupt the Tigers’ offense.
The game maintained a competitive edge as Reedley managed to narrow the gap with a 62-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ty Chambers to Donavan Smith, bringing the score to 14-7. However, Butte quickly answered back with a dynamic 48-yard touchdown run from Najee Dade, restoring their lead to 21-7. Dade displayed remarkable agility, weaving through defenders after receiving the ball from a fake handoff.
As the first half drew to a close, Lane Garner added a 39-yard field goal, and Cooper connected with Dade for a 16-yard touchdown pass, marking Cooper’s first collegiate touchdown. The Roadrunners went into halftime with a commanding 31-7 lead.
Reflecting on his performance, Cooper acknowledged areas for improvement, specifically mentioning the need to adjust his throwing technique. “I was anxious at the start,” he admitted, referencing his recovery from a torn ACL two years prior. His performance, particularly a throw late in the second quarter, reassured him that he was back on track.
With this victory, Butte College (1-0) looks ahead to their next challenge against Laney College on September 8, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in Oakland. The Roadrunners will return home to host City College of San Francisco on September 13 at 1 p.m. for their homecoming game. The early season performance sets a strong foundation for what promises to be an exciting year for Butte College football.
