At Shadow Ridge High School, Coach and teacher Brandon Buteyn is known for his dedication to students both on and off the field. Buteyn’s love for football began early, shaped by his family’s passion for the sport. His father coached football, and with an older brother also playing, Buteyn grew up on the sidelines as a water boy before officially joining a team at just six years old. By the time he entered high school at Paraclete High School in California, football had already become central to his life.
As a high school athlete, Buteyn excelled as a running back, leading the Highland Bulldogs to impressive records: 12-1 during his junior year and 11-3 his senior season, which ended with a state championship. Among his favorite memories was returning an 85-yard punt in the championship game, a play that helped seal victory and gave him a moment he’ll never forget.
“Winning the state championship and giving my dad a hug after the game was unforgettable,” Buteyn recalled.
Buteyn says, “That 85-yard punt return kind of sealed it, and all the coaches just loved me up. It was pretty special.”
Buteyn’s journey was not without challenges. He recalls his very first varsity game as a sophomore, where he was unexpectedly called to play the entire game at safety after a starter struggled early on. He also faced setbacks, including a snapped ankle his sophomore year which forced him to sit out for weeks. Despite the injury, he showed up to every practice, believing that being part of a team meant supporting others even when he couldn’t play.
“Just because you’re hurt doesn’t mean you don’t show up,” Buteyn explained. “You’re still part of the team, help out, get water, be motivational. That’s what being a good teammate is all about.”
Practices were often grueling, especially during his underclassman years. His coaches pushed him and his teammates hard, at times requiring hundreds of “up-downs” after games. But by his junior and senior years, he had earned a reputation as a star player, and practices became less physically punishing to protect him from injury.
Brayden Yorke, junior, states, “He is a very inspiring coach.”
The most influential figure in his career was Coach Eric Jackson, now a coach at Shadow Ridge. Jackson, who had played at UNLV, not only guided Buteyn as a player but also as a person, encouraging him to stay grounded and focused on life beyond football. Their bond remains strong to this day, with the two still in regular contact.
Ultimately, football provided Buteyn with opportunities he never expected. The sport paid for part of his college education, took him across the country, and eventually shaped his career path as both a teacher and coach. Today, he uses those experiences to inspire his students and athletes, reminding them that the lessons learned on the field go far beyond the game.
