BUTLER TWP — The comparisons are daunting.

Central Catholic's quarterback has been offered scholarships by Boston College and Temple. Butler's quarterback is making his second varsity start.

The Golden Tornado have a lineman — Jake Kradel — receiving Division I collegiate offers. The Vikings' entire offensive line is headed to Division I college programs.

Central Catholic (5-1, 4-0) is averaging 50 points per game since a season-opening 35-14 loss to St. John's out of Washington D.C. Butler (2-3, 1-3) had scored 40 total points in its first four games before notching a 34-16 win at Shaler last week.

All of this doesn't matter to Butler coach Rob Densmore as he prepares the Tornado to host Central Catholic at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Art Bernardi Stadium.

“There's no denying the talent they have at every position,” Densmore said of the defending WPIAL and PIAA champion. “What I'm looking for out of our team is 100 percent effort on every play.

“Give full effort for all four quarters. That's all I'm asking.”

Butler has certainly been making strides on the field this year. Dallas Hays made plays with his feet during his debut start at quarterback last week and found John Michalek for a 41-yard strike downfield.

He has another solid target in Luke Michalek, who has compiled 14 catches for 152 yards this year despite spending a lot of time behind center himself.

“We'll definitely put in different wrinkles this week offensively,” Densmore said. “With the Shaler game being Dallas' first at quarterback, we limited our package somewhat.

“We'll expand it more and our receivers have to catch the football. We had a few drops last week.”

Central Catholic has not lost to Butler since 1998. Its last four meetings with the Tornado have resulted in 49-0, 55-14, 55-0 and 31-0 victories.

“This is a long bus ride for us and I see definite improvement in Butler,” veteran Vikings coach Terry Totten said. “They are big, tough and athletic up front.

“Our line has triggered most of what we've done so far this year. We rely on those linemen and they seem to be up to the challenge from week to week.”

That line includes Meridian resident and center Donovan Slater, who is headed to Yale. Tackles C.J. Thorpe and Kurt Hinish are ticketed for Penn State and Notre Dame, respectively, while guards Jacob Hinish and Jake Troutman will play at Yale and Fordham.

“If their (defensive) pressure gets through, hopefully Dallas will be able to avoid the rush and break containment,” Densmore said. “We will be looking at a different speed, though, that Central Catholic brings.”

Quarterback Troy Fisher has thrown for 555 yards and eight touchdowns, with only one interception. He has rushed for 193 yards and one score.

“He is the entire package,” Totten said. “He is big, tough, fast, athletic and smart. He's got a good arm and the right instincts.”

JJ Younger is a versatile back for the Vikings, rushing for 393 yards and five TDs, catching six passes for 86 yards and a score.

Kradel and Kyle Heller lead Butler with three quarterback sacks each. Hays has 30 solo tackles from his safety position while Heller and Noah Ryder have 23 solo tackles each this season.

“The last two years, we've been a little intimidated playing this team,” Densmore said. “Central does have a lot of size and they're good at doing that to opponents.

“We know they're going to be big and they will try to push us around. We have to stay fundamentally sound. We definitely need to focus on fundamentals this week.”