EL DORADO, Kan. – The Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Golden Norsemen opened their 2024 football season in spectacular fashion, claiming a hard-fought 26-23 victory in overtime against the No. 15 Butler Grizzlies at BG Products Veterans Sports Complex on Saturday evening.

NEO (1-0) controlled the game tempo, holding the ball for more than 37 minutes and running 80 offensive plays compared to Butler's 51. The Golden Norsemen's persistence on both sides of the ball, along with clutch performances in key moments, proved to be the deciding factors.

Butler took an early lead, capitalizing on a 64-yard kickoff return that set up a 24-yard field goal. They then extended their advantage with a 15-yard touchdown pass to make it 10-0. Despite trailing, the Golden Norsemen remained composed and responded decisively.

After Butler stretched their lead to 13-0 early in the second quarter, NEO orchestrated a momentum-changing play with a fake field goal. The holder rolled out and connected on an 18-yard touchdown pass, getting the Golden Norsemen on the board. This trick play galvanized NEO, who then scored another touchdown to tie the game at halftime.

"We knew Butler was a strong team, and they came out swinging," said head coach, Zach Crissup. "But our guys showed heart and determination. They believed in each other and fought back."

The Golden Norsemen took their first lead in the third quarter, with Ethan Lawrence leading the charge. Lawrence, who finished with 154 rushing yards on 35 carries, broke free for a 57-yard run, setting up his own four-yard touchdown to make it 20-13. Butler managed to narrow the gap with a field goal, ending the quarter at 20-16.

A critical moment came in the fourth quarter when NEO fumbled, and Butler recovered deep in Golden Norsemen territory. Butler capitalized with a short touchdown pass to take a 23-20 lead. NEO, however, stayed composed. Ryder Goodwin tied the game with a 36-yard field goal, forcing the game into overtime.

In overtime, NEO's defense delivered when it mattered most, forcing Butler into a challenging 45-yard field goal attempt that fell short. The Golden Norsemen then moved the ball into field goal range, and Goodwin sealed the victory with a 34-yard kick.

"Our defense stepped up in big moments, and Ryder was clutch," said Crissup. "This win shows the resilience and the heart of our team. I'm incredibly proud of their effort."

Notes:

• This win marks the fifth time NEO has defeated Butler in a season opener, with previous victories in 1933, 1934, 1994, and 1995.
• NEO now trails Butler 7-6 in the all-time series and improves to 5-4 against Butler in season openers.
• The Golden Norsemen outgained Butler 193 to 109 in rushing yards, showcasing their ground dominance.
• NEO's defense held Butler to just 78 passing yards, the lowest total for the Grizzlies since their December 2023 bowl game.

The Golden Norsemen will look to build on this thrilling win as they prepare for their next challenge, carrying the momentum of a 1-0 start into the rest of the season.