Dewey High School’s Pierce Butler has been selected as a Bartlesville Area Sports Report Area Game Changer.
Courtesy photo
By Becky Burch
Nov. 2, 2026
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Dewey High School senior Pierce Butler has spent his entire football career in the trenches, doing the grueling, unheralded work of a lineman. But this season, the Bulldogger standout finally got his moment in the spotlight, proving that perseverance pays off.
"I’ve had lots of memorable plays, but I think the one that I will remember the most is being able to score a two-point conversion this year after being a lineman my whole life," Butler said.
That dedication and willingness to play any role makes him the latest featured standout in Bartlesville Area Sports Report's Area Game Changer series. The twice-weekly showcase highlights dynamic competitors across 12 area schools who transform their teams through leadership, effort, and heart.
Whether he is lining up at center or nose guard, Butler anchors the Bulldoggers with a relentless work ethic. When looking for inspiration, he models his approach after one of the most dominant defensive forces in football history.
"My favorite NFL player ever is J.J. Watt," Butler said. "I think the way he did his job every play, then when the time came made a big play to help his team, is something I try to bring to my game."
His commitment to strength and discipline extends past the fall football schedule. Butler is also a key member of the Dewey powerlifting team, using the weight room to maintain his competitive edge year-round.
Off the field, Butler finds that his favorite academic subject directly translates to his performance on Friday nights.
"My favorite subject in school is history," Butler said. "I think it helps me by remembering past plays, good or bad, and what I could do on those plays to be even better."
When he is not in the classroom or competing for the Bulldoggers, Butler prefers to spend his outside time in nature or winding down with his peers. He thrives on hunting and hanging out with his friends.
Those strong personal connections have come to define his time in the Dewey athletic program. When looking back at his high school career, Butler says his most cherished experiences happened away from the bright stadium lights.
"I think my favorite locker room memory of mine comes from junior year, hanging out with some of my best friends," Butler said.
As a senior, Butler is already preparing for his next chapter, which will involve the ultimate test of discipline and service. After graduation, he plans to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Before he trades his Bulldogger uniform for military blues, Butler wants to ensure the younger players in the Dewey program understand how to handle constructive criticism and grow into leaders.
"The advice I would give to younger athletes is that if you mess up or do something wrong and you're getting criticized, sit there and be coachable and fix it on the next play," Butler said.
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PAST AREA GAME CHANGERS:
-Wyatt Mathis (Bartlesville)
-Marshal McDaniel (Dewey)
-Madie Nachbor (Bartlesville)
-Marcus Bryan (Copan)
-Colson Jernigan (Bartlesville)
-Macee Secondine (Copan)
-Allie VanDenDriessche (Caney Valley, OK)
