BUTLER TWP — The game is at an odd time. The challenge hasn't changed at all.

Butler (1-1) travels to McDowell (2-0) for a noon kickoff Saturday in Erie for a key District 10 6A region matchup.

“They're all key because there's not that many of them,” Butler coach Eric Christy said of his team's 6A region games. “We know what we're up against.

“McDowell is solid everywhere. Weaknesses? I'm not seeing any. This is one of the strongest teams in Western Pennsylvania.”

The Trojans are three-time defending District 10 champions. Coach Bo Orlando has guided McDowell to five district titles in the last seven years.

“It's just the culture that's been built here,” Trojans coach Bo Orlando said of McDowell's consistent football success. “These kids pound the weight room from January on. There's a lot of pride in this program.”

McDowell has defeated Brashear (38-14) and Lake Catholic (35-13) this season. Its game with General McLane last week was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns at McLane.

The extra week has given Orlando more time to focus on Butler.

“They give you a lot of different looks on offense,” Orlando said. “Butler has tough kids. Their defense lines up and gets after it.

“I've told our kids ... we're playing a talented opponent this week.”

A lack of available officials in Erie and a band festival Saturday night has forced this game into a noon start.

Orlando isn't happy about it.

“Before the schedules came out, District 10 asked teams to play a game on Saturday,” he said. “We said no. They wound up making us do it anyway.

“The band festival was already scheduled Saturday night, so we have to play early afternoon.”

Butler (1-1) is coming off a 27-13 win over Meadville. Quarterback Cooper Baxter completed 12 passes, incorporating six different receivers into the mix.

Christy said Baxter will start Saturday's game behind center.

“We still plan on using both quarterbacks (Baxter and Mac Schnur), but Cooper is a third-year starter and he deserves this opportunity,” Christy said. “Mac will play corner on defense and is coming off a strong game there. But he'll likely see time on offense as well.

“I'm excited about the way we were able to work a lot more kids into the lineup last week on both sides of the ball. I expect that to continue.”

JunJun Andrada, David Graef, Landon Lacey and Ethan Babay shined on defense for the Tornado last week. Christy was particularly happy with Jake Zimsak's play at linebacker.

Brock Popovich graded out the best in earning the Tornado's Offensive Lineman of the Week award. Jake Pomykata stood out as well.

Sophomore receiver Braylon Littlejohn made his varsity debut last week and caught a touchdown pass. Baxter rushed for 130 yards and three scores, threw for 134 and a touchdown.

“Braylon looks like a natural football player out there,” Christy said. “You can't teach some of the things that he does.”

McDowell has plenty of depth in its attack.

“We have six starters back on both sides of the ball,” Orlando said. “We do have a number of players going on to play college ball.

“We play two quarterbacks with different skill sets. We use different running backs, but primarily two who get the bulk of the carries.”

McDowell quarterback Ben Moore threw for 76 yards in the Trojans' win over Brashear. Matt McGregor, at 6-foot-4, sees time behind center as well.

Artis Simmons had nine carries for 144 yards and two touchdowns against Brashear while Ray Jackson had 10 carries for 52 yards.

Bryce Wood, at 6-3, is a tight end-middle linebacker who is being highly recruited. Cooper Cousins is a 6-6, 275-pound sophomore center-defensive tackle.

Christy is happy to see a lot of competition forming in Butler's program.

“We have a lot of kids who can play and they earn that playing time on the practice field,” the Tornado coach said. “Competition for time on the field is a good thing to have.”

McDowell leads the series between the teams 6-4. The Trojans have won the last five meetings — dating back to 2006 — by a combined score of 177-48.