BUTLER TWP - It's a long bus ride, but Butler doesn't mind.

The Golden Tornado football team heads to Hempfield Area for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff Friday night against the Spartans. A 10-7 win at Hempfield two years ago marks Butler's lone road victory in its last 10 tries.

"It's a long way to go, but we need to come back with a win," Butler coach Garry Cathell said.

The Tornado began the season with a 27-10 loss at Kiski Area last week, allowing 242 yards rushing and 186 yards in kickoff and punt return yardage in the first half alone.

Cathell and his coaches have adjusted accordingly.

"That was a warm, muggy night and we had too many kids playing both ways," Cathell said. "We're going with two different units this week.

"Our two gunners on special teams last week (Shane Snyder and Ryan Banner) did a great job of getting downfield on kicks. We had guys in the middle of the field who didn't get down there as quickly and we've shuffled some personnel there," he added.

Butler's offense had the ball for 17 minutes in the first two quarters against Kiski, but for barely seven minutes in the second half.

Linemen Tom Gaul and Adam Pritts are the only Tornado players who will start on both sides of the ball Friday.

Lineman Marcus Hough, Charlie Rodgers and linebacker Dan Tatangelo will play strictly defense. Center Nate Hartung, tackle Scott Shaffer and fullback Ben Ashcraft will play strictly offense.

"Everybody else in the lineup pretty much played on one side of the ball anyway," Cathell said.

Bob Alexander carried five times for 70 yards last week after replacing Bobby Ridley, who left the game with a concussion after carrying eight times for 57 yards in less than two quarters.

Alexander will start at tailback against Hempfield. Ridley is listed as questionable this week.

"Bobby Alexander is not a big kid, but he played big Friday," Cathell said. "He ran aggressively, hit the holes, broke a tackle and lunged forward to get a first down.

"Bobby Ridley could see action back there, too, though he could help us as a wideout if need be," he added.

With linebacker Frank Kowalkowski still sidelined, Butler remains thin at that position, in numbers as well as size.

Phil Scialabba came up with an interception and fumble recovery at linebacker against Kiski.

"Phil played with a lot of emotion," Cathell said. "That's something I pointed out to the rest of the kids."

Cathell admitted his defense is susceptible to an opponent's speed game.

"Being in the proper position to make the play is critical to us on defense," he said. "But I don't think Hempfield has the speed we've seen over the last three weeks."

Butler scrimmaged Gateway and Woodland Hills in the preseason.

Hempfield is coming off a 20-17 win against turnover-plagued Greensburg Salem. Cathell said he is hoping for a consistent ground attack Friday so his team isn't forced to throw as much.

Sophomore quarterback Nick Monteleone completed five of 22 passes last week.

"Nick showed some promise, but his technique wasn't all there and that's what we're working on this week," Cathell said. "He was slow on his drops and a lot of his passes were falling short because he wasn't planting his feet.

"Nick is a bright kid and he knows where his receivers are. When he sets up properly, he can get the ball to receivers at any point on the field.

"We can't get down (on the scoreboard) early like we did last week. We want to keep fresh legs out there and stick with our game plan. We should be able to move the ball against anyone," Cathell added.

Butler begins Quad North play next Friday at Upper St. Clair.

BUTLER AT HEMPFIELD

---

Butler at Hempfield 7:30 p.m. Friday

Streak:

The Golden Tornado have dropped five straight road games, dating back to a 10-7 win at Hempfield to close the 2002 season.

Statistic:

Not including six quarterback sacks, Butler averaged 7.6 yards on 24 rushing plays last week vs. Kiski Area.

Strategy:

Only two Butler players - Tom Gaul and Adam Pritts - will start on both sides of the ball this week.

Speaking:

"You never want to lose, but sometimes when you lose, you make changes that make you a better football team … changes you would not have made had you won." - Butler coach Garry Cathel