WELLINGTON – We have a sophomore sensation right in our backyard.

If anybody is able to take some time and check out Wellington 2022 athlete Brandyn Butler, he/she/they will quickly see why that’s the case.

Butler (5-foot-8) finds ways to produce in more ways than one. In Week 5, he overcame his height and his one catch with 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 home win over John I. Leonard.

Butler’s 89-yard punt return for a touchdown 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.

Butler plays his game with a combination of anticipation and patience. He takes whatever is given to him and makes the most out of it, which ends up galvanizing the Wolverines unit in a big way.

All of this is why Butler was voted on by our readers and viewers as our Breakthrough Player of Week 5.

Fellow classmate and starting quarterback Blake Kendall Jr. was effusive in his commentary on Butler’s accomplishment.

“I’m extremely happy for Brandyn,” said Kendall Jr., who was a nominee for our MVP of Week 5. “As a leader on the team, when my guys are recognized, I feel the same pride they do. It also feels good as a quarterback to know I’m getting him the ball for him to make these big plays. I truly feel this is only the beginning of much more for him and myself.”

Wellington head coach Tom Abel concurred.

“He is our next superstar,” Abel said. “Beautiful thing is he is only a sophomore.”

Next game for Butler and the Wellington Wolverines (1-4): Tomorrow (Sept. 26) against Forest Hill (3-1; No. 9, New Era Prep Top 10) at Santaluces, 6:30 p.m. kickoff

PHOTO CREDIT: Gene Nardi