BUTLER TWP — It may win or it may lose.

But if last week's scrimmage was any indication, the Butler football team will have plenty of energy when the Golden Tornado open their season with North Hills Friday night at Art Bernardi Stadium.

Butler scrimmaged Kiski Area on the road last Saturday.

“When we scrimmaged last year, I thought we came out flat,” second-year Tornado coach Eric Christy said. “This year, we hit the field full of energy.

“(Kiski coach) Sam Albert always has his team fired up and ready to go. They brought a lot of intensity and we matched it. I was very encouraged to see that.”

Kiski scored once on Butler's first-string unit and once on the second-team unit. The Tornado offense did not score.

“Our offense is very young and it got exposed a little bit,” Christy said. “We made mistakes, but they're correctable.

“Our defense was definitely the shining spot.”

The Tornado will go with 6-foot-1 sophomore Cooper Baxter at quarterback Friday. Dylan Fediackzo, a senior, may also get some reps at that position.

Christy said Fediaczko will see action at tailback and wide receiver, along with playing safety on defense.

“Dylan will be on the field quite a bit,” the coach said. “I'm excited about what Cooper can bring us this year and down the road.

“He's athletic and has that Baxter pedigree. Though he's not as quick or fast, he reminds me a lot of Luke Michalek the way he runs the ball. And Cooper can make the throws as well.”

Baxter threw an interception in the scrimmage “but recognized what he did as soon as he saw the film,” Christy said. “He's a smart kid, shortstop on the baseball team, has had success in wrestling ... He'll learn quickly.”

The Tornado's middle linebackers, Evan Orloski and Justin Kabay, will also be the starting running backs with Julian Jones at fullback.

Zach Slomers will be the slot-back with Anthony Daviduk and Charlie Kreinbucher at receiver.

“All of those guys are athletic and we have to find ways to get them the ball,” Christy said.

While Butler was winless in 2018, North Hills finished 6-5, losing to Penn Trafford 42-7 in the first round of the WPIAL 5A playoffs. Gone is Tyler Brennan, who rushed for 814 yards and scored 18 touchdowns a year ago.

“Our production should be much more spread out this year,” seventh-year North Hills coach Pat Carey said. “We've got some kids back who can be effective running the ball for us.”

One of those, senior Tommy McDonough, figures to have a bounce-back season after being injured much of last year. Curtis Foskey, a junior, ran for 355 yards and three touchdowns last year.

Dylan Pawling, a senior, takes over at quarterback for the Indians.

“Tommy had a big game against Butler last year before he got hurt,” Carey said. “We're expecting solid years out of him and Curtis.”

Foskey is also the middle linebacker for North Hills.

“He ranges all over the place,” Christy said. “We saw their scrimmage against Plum and their front line ties people up so he (Foskey) can run around and make tackles.”

North Hills also has a two-way tackle in 6-foot-8, 235-pound Ronnie Novosedliak, who has committed to Central Michigan.

“He stands out, believe me,” Christy said.

Carey is wary of Butler's size up front as well.

“Butler always has a sizable line,” he said. “That will be a challenge for us. We're anxious to get the season going and I'm sure they are, too.”

North Hills has defeated Butler 15 consecutive times, including 42-7 in last year's opener. The Indians lead the all-time series 32-6 and have not lost to Butler since dropping a 28-20 decision in 2000.