DELRAY BEACH – In a surprise move, the American Heritage Stallions have added Brandyn and Desean Butler to their potent roster.
This ensures a leveled mic of youth, experience, and depth for the Delray Beach-based entity, which is looking to reclaim its status as the No. 1 high school football program in Palm Beach County.
The Butler brothers announced their collective decision to transfer from Wellington to American Heritage yesterday (Feb. 18).
“It was a tough decision, but we both felt that it was the best decision for us,” said Desean Butler, who is an athlete in the Class of 2023.
In Desean’s freshman season at Wellington, he had approximately 20 carries for 120 yards and a rushing touchdown. The breakout sensation also had at least 10 tackles on special teams (kickoff and punt units), while adding 80 return yards on eight kickoff return attempts.
Desean scored his first varsity touchdown on the ground in Week 7 against Boca Raton. It turned out to be Wellington’s only end-zone score of the game, which turned out to be a 17-10 home loss.
“We had a hard time moving the ball, but they (the Wellington coaches) gave him a opportunity that game,” Brandyn said. “He gave the offenses a spark.”
Brandyn had more to say about his younger brother’s success this past season.
“He played varsity as a freshman, and not too many freshman’s can say that,” Brandyn said. “One day in practice, they let him play running back and he shocked them. He earned a spot at running back and put up pretty good numbers. He’s an athlete who can do it all from special teams to defense and offense.”
Brandyn is also classified as an athlete. He is already viewed as one of the very best overall players in the Class of 2022.
This past season, Brandyn tallied 600 receiving yards, 50 rushing yards, 190 kick return yards, and 178 punt return yards. In total, he registered 1,018 all-purpose yards.
Brandyn had at least two standout games this past season. One of them came in what was a close one against Glades Central in Week 2, when he scored two touchdowns in what turned out (then but not now) to be a 27-24 overtime road loss in the Muck.
“We were down by two touchdowns just before the half,” Brandyn said. “It was third and long. Me and the other wide receiver were stacked, and I ran a post. The DB’s got confused and ran into each other. That’s how I scored my first touchdown.”
Brandyn on his second score against Glades Central:
“We got a stop,” Brandyn said. “Last play before the half. I caught a slant right up the middle and took it like 60 yards to the end zone.”
Brandyn’s other standout moment came in Week 5 at home against John I. Leonard. He an amazing impact on his special teams game with a touchdown scored and 150+ all-purpose yards to help his team earn a 31-28.
Butler’s 89-yard punt return for a score was a thing of beauty. Just when it looked like he would be brought down by a host of Lancers, he spun his way out of the logjam and went off to the races.
Brandyn, who was voted as our Breakthrough Player of Week 5, recapped his year at Wellington.
“My sophomore season was incredible,” Brandyn said. “I put up good numbers and I played a big role. Thanks to Coach [Tom] Abel for believing in me and trusting me to be the playmaker. Coach Abel is a great coach and he runs a great program.”
Abel weighed in on the transfer decision made by the Butler brothers.
“May God bless them both,” Abel said. “I wish them the best.”
PHOTO CREDITS: Gene Nardi
