RIVERSIDE — The Norte Vista High football program perennially produces one of the most prolific ground attacks in the state.
So, it might come as a surprise to those attending Norte Vista’s games this year to see the ball in the air more often than usual.
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Notre Vista football player, senior King Butler, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. Butler is the team top receiver and also led the defense with six interceptions last season. (Photo by John Valenzuela/Contributing Photographer)
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Notre Vista football player, senior King Butler, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. Butler is the team top receiver and also led the defense with six interceptions last season. (Photo by John Valenzuela/Contributing Photographer)
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“I keep telling people that we’re going to throw the ball,” said Ken Batdorf, who begins his 32nd season in charge of the program. “No one believes me. They say, ‘I’ll believe it when we see it.’ But it’s true. We’ve changed our entire look and offensive playbook.
“I’ll probably still throw a few of those double-wing formations in there from time to time, just to show everyone that I’m still alive.”
One of the reasons for the change is the presence of King Butler, a statuesque 6-foot-4, 189-pound senior wide receiver who has a knack for making spectacular catches look routine. Butler caught only 19 passes last season, but five of them were touchdowns.
Batdorf expects Butler’s offensive numbers will double or triple this season. If everything goes to plan, Butler could make a run at 1,000 receiving yards. The last Norte Vista receiver to reach that plateau was Victor Gonzalez (1,357 yards in the 2013 season).
“He is a weapon on offense, so we need to get the ball in his hands more,” Batdorf said. “He has amazing hand-eye coordination, and his combination of size and speed creates so many mismatches for opposing teams. He really knows how to go get that ball.”
Butler’s ball awareness also in an asset on defense. He had six interceptions last year despite missing two games due to injury.
“My primary jobs are to catch touchdowns and get interceptions,” Butler said. “I just want to do whatever I can to help win games. I’m really excited about our new offense and what we can do. I think it will allow me to make an even bigger impact for the team.”
A growth spurt benefitted Butler, as he has grown four inches since his freshman season. Butler also is a forward on the school’s varsity basketball team and is known for his skills as a defender and rebounder. Batdorf said Butler is the team’s Dennis Rodman.
Butler said his basketball background has helped him improve his game on the gridiron.
“My jumping ability is one of my greatest strengths, and that does come from years of basketball,” Butler said. “That really allows me to catch the ball at the highest point. And I think all that running up and down the court has improved my stamina for football.”
Butler credits his coaches for his improvement over the years.
“My coaches are putting me in the right places at the right times to make those big plays.” Butler said. “I’m thankful to have them.”
Batdorf also has been impressed with Butler’s humble attitude during the four seasons he has been in the program.
“He was part of that great freshman team four years ago,” Batdorf said. “He might not have been the first person people thought about, but we could see something special. He once asked me, ‘Coach, am I good at football?’ And I replied, “Yes. Yes you are.’
“King just wants to be part of a team and do whatever he can to help. He just wants to have a good time and have fun out there.”
