DELRAY BEACH – Desean Butler showed what it takes to have a breakout moment.

The American Heritage (Delray Beach) junior defensive back has not played in many games this season. But in last Friday night’s 41-21 home win over Cypress Bay, he came through in a big way.

Desean Butler had seven solo tackles, three assists, one pass breakup, two sacks, and two big hits in this one. This stellar all-around performance was enough for our followers and voters to select the 5-foot-10, 167-pound defensive back as our co-Breakthrough Player of Week 7.

“I felt like in this game, I had to prove I belong on the field,” Desean Butler said. “I had to prove to a lot of people I can do it and that’s what I did. I’m going to keep going and keep getting better.”

Desean Butler had more to say about his own breakthrough moment.

“It feels great to be back with my brothers on the field,” Desean Butler said. “It’s been a long journey, but life is all about overcoming adversity. Now that I’m back, I’m going to leave a mark to my name.”

Desean Butler also spoke on his older brother, American Heritage (Delray Beach) senior wide receiver Brandyn Butler.

“My brother plays a big role in me being who I am,” Desean Butler said. “I wouldn’t be who I am without him. I used to be around the wrong crowd, but he took me and led me into the right direction.”

Brandyn Butler shared his thoughts on how his younger brother parlayed adversity into a memorable performance.

“He played a big role and stepped up big for our defense for sure,” Brandyn Butler said. “A bond we share is football. You know we’re both hard workers at we do. And that’s my little brother, so if he ever needs something, I’m always there…I said a couple things here and there but in reality he fought through adversity. He fought through it on his own.”

American Heritage (Delray Beach) junior quarterback Joshua Ramos offered his take on Desean Butler’s big moment.

“All of our guys can get it done, but it really helped having him back on defense,” Ramos said. “He plays hard and is all over the field. His stats showed that.”