2025 Butler Eagle Scoring Trophy watch list: Who are the contenders to take home this year’s award?

August 04, 2025 Last Updated: August 04, 2025 02:55 PM Sports

Freeport running back Amos Glenn (26) had a breakout junior year, running for 1,300-plus yards and 17 touchdowns. He’s a favorite to win this year’s Butler Eagle Scoring Trophy. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

In the 30-plus year history of the Butler Eagle Scoring Trophy, a darkhorse has emerged to claim the hardware several times. Karns City's Braden Slater certainly filled that bill in 2024.

He emerged from a crowded offensive backfield to win the regular-season trophy by scoring 18 touchdowns and tallying 55 points as a placekicker. The result was 163 points, earning for Slater the honor in a runaway. Slater graduated in the spring, and candidates to top the Butler Eagle area in points in 2025 include two of his former teammates.

With a new champion to crown this year, the following are players who should be in the mix this year, in alphabetical order:

Amos Glenn, sr., RB, Freeport

Glenn burst onto the scene last year after overcoming a serious knee injury. His 1,354 rushing yards and 17 TDs were integral in the Yellowjackets improving from three wins in 2023 to eight victories and a trip to the WPIAL Class 3A quarterfinals in 2024. Aside from having Butler County's 2025 rushing yards title well within his reach, look for Glenn to make a run at the scoring trophy.

Karns City’s Owen Heginbotham (22) provides breakaway speed for the Gremlins’ high-powered run game. Butler Eagle file photo

Holly Mead

Owen Heginbotham, sr., RB, Karns City

Heginbotham is the lightning to teammate Hunter Scherer's thunder in the Gremlins' backfield. The former's speed helped him average over 10 yards per carry and score six TDs on just 55 attempts last season. With Slater graduated, Heginbotham should see more opportunities with the ball in his hands.

Mars receiver Gabe Hein scored 12 touchdowns last year and recently committed to Sacred Heart. Butler Eagle file photo

Gabe Hein, sr., WR, Mars

The starting quarterback spot for the Planets is up in the air, but whoever gets the job, he will have one of the most productive receivers in the WPIAL at his disposal in Hein, who possesses sure hands and speed. The Sacred Heart commit’s versatility will be a huge asset for Mars this season. As a junior, he scored 12 touchdowns — seven on receptions, three rushing, one on a kickoff return and one on a punt return.

Karns City's Hunter Scherer is once again a contender for the Butler Eagle Scoring Trophy after nearly winning it last year. Butler Eagle file photo

Hunter Scherer, sr., RB, Karns City

Scherer was one of the favorites to win last year's scoring trophy and was bested only by teammate Slater. Scherer did pace Karns City's vaunted ground attack with 794 yards last season and finished the regular season with 96 points. At 5-feet-10 and 225 pounds, Scherer’s physicality is evidenced by the fact he starts on the defensive line.

Could Mars' Ayden Yocum (4) be the next breakout running back in the county and challenge for the scoring title? The Planets would welcome that development. Butler Eagle file photo

Ayden Yocum, sr., RB, Mars

Mars' leading rusher from last year, Eric Kasperowicz, is now playing in the college ranks, and Yocum is primed to be the Planets' top ball carrier in 2025. Look for him to greatly improve on his stats from last year (331 rushing yards, four TDs). He brings impressive speed to the position, running the fifth-fastest 100-meter dash time in school history in the spring at 11.41 seconds.

Butler Eagle Scoring Trophy

Previous Winners

Year Winner (School) Points

1990 Brian Kurn (Freeport) 104

1991 Ron DeJidas (Freeport) 114

1992 Ron DeJidas (Freeport) 158

1993 Rick Belles (Karns City) 80

1994 Cory Hooks (Union) 118

1995 Jeremy Scherer (Karns City) 84

1996 Jason Hackwelder (A-C Valley) 132

1997 Steve Spiker (A-C Valley) 124

1998 Mike Leach (A-C Valley) 146