BUTLER TWP — Since Pine-Richland quarterback Phil Jurkovec went down with a season-ending thumb injury, it's been business as usual for the Rams' offense.

But something's still missing — at least that's how Butler coach Rob Densmore sees it.

“You can't take away one of the best high school football players in the country and not have it change things,” Densmore said. “That ability to run for a huge gain, to hit a receiver right in stride deep downfield ... that element is gone.

“If we play the way we're capable of for four full quarters, I believe we can win this game.”

The Golden Tornado (2-5, 1-4) host Pine-Richland (5-3, 3-1) at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Art Bernardi Stadium.

Jurkovec threw for 1,673 yards and 12 touchdowns, ran for 481 yards and eight scores before surgery on his thumb likely ended his season. He could return if the Rams go on a very deep playoff run.

Max DeVinney, a senior, has thrown for 468 yards and three touchdowns in his two starts behind center for Pine-Richland. The Rams dropped a 32-27 decision to Peters Township and defeated Shaler, 42-0, with DeVinney.

“Max has played very well and he'll keep getting better,” Pine-Richland coach Eric Kasperowicz said. “He doesn't have the playing experience, but he is a senior and he knows the offense.”

The Rams have plenty of weapons to help him out. Running back Jordan Crawford has rushed for 629 yards and 12 TDs, caught 28 passes for 311 yards and two more scores.

Luke and Jesse Meckler have combined to run for 511 yards and five touchdowns. Raymond Fallone leads the receiving corps with 36 catches for 856 yards and eight TDs.

“Ray is a big-time receiver with a lot of speed,” Kasperowicz said. “He's got great hands and he's smart. He's going to wind up playing for an Ivy League school.”

Jurkovec, a 6-foot-5 junior, is headed to Notre Dame when his prep career is over. Pine-Richland has two other Division I recruits in 6-7, 260-pound tight end-defensive end Grant Carrigan (Pitt) and defensive end Ryan Duran (Army).

“They still have a lot of athletes and they're still a very good football team,” Densmore said.

The Rams have intercepted 15 passes, with Tanner Douglas grabbing four of those and Falcone three. Outside linebackers Tyler King and Jesse Meckler lead the team with 73 and 64 tackles, respectively.”

Densmore and Kasperowicz were assistant coaches together at Pine-Richland. When Kasperowicz got the head coaching job there, Densmore moved on to Butler.

“We know each other well,” Kasperowicz said. “Butler has a tough, oldschool, physical football team. They want to stop the run and run the ball themselves — and they're better than they were a year ago.”

Dallas Hays is coming off his best game since moving to quarterback for the Tornado. He threw for 144 yards and ran for 117 in last week's 35-28 loss at Norwin. Luke Michalek rushed for 97 yards in that game and John Michalek caught two deep passes.

“Our play-action is working more and we're hitting some plays downfield,” Densmore said. “What we need to do is play with heart and intensity for four full quarters. We still haven't done that yet.”

Butler's offensive line features Wilde Gaiser at center, Kyle Heller and Dawson Davenport at guard, Jake Kradel at one tackle, David Michalek and freshman Nate Cornibe at the other.

“Our line play on both sides of the ball has been one of our biggest strengths,” Densmore said.

Hays continues to be Butler's leading tackler with 35 stops from his safety position. But he's being spelled more on defense since taking over at quarterback.

“We moved Sam Dietrich over (to safety) when Dallas wasn't in there,” Densmore said.

Pine-Richland leads the series between the teams 7-1, winning the last three games by scores of 67-30, 48-10 and 49-19. Butler took a 19-7 win over the Rams in 2012 at Art Bernardi Stadium.

“We have to take care of the football,” Densmore said, referencing his team's five turnovers at Norwin. “We're delivering that message loud and clear this week.”