Three wins may not sound like much to most high school football programs.

It sounds like progress to Hempfield Area.

The Spartans are coming off a 3-7 season under second-year coach Bo Ruffner. They had won just four games in three years before Ruffner took over.

Dating back to last season, Hempfield has won three of its last four games, including a come-from-behind 20-17 triumph over Greensburg Salem in last week's season opener.

"We took some steps last year," Ruffner said. "Now we want to be a playoff team. To do that, we have to play consistent football."

That begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday, when the Spartans host Butler.

"I can't tell you the last time this program was 2-0," Ruffner said. "It's been at least 10 years, probably longer. We'd love to see that happen.

"To beat Butler would be a big accomplishment for us. Every win is a big win right now."

The Golden Tornado defeated the Spartans the past two years, winning season-ending crossover games by scores of 10-7 and 21-7.

While Butler has an experienced offensive line, Hempfield returns one starter - three-year starting guard Aaron Hovan (6-feet, 253 pounds).

The Spartans return their starting quarterback in junior Anthony Constantine. At 5-9, 166 pounds, he is more of a running threat, though he did throw for 76 yards and a touchdown last week.

Running back Craig Gordon rushed for 66 yards and three touchdowns last week and added two catches for 34 yards. Fellow senior Drew Pullion added 54 yards on the ground.

"Craig's a tough, hard-nosed runner who also catches the ball out of the backfield," Ruffner said. "Drew will spell him from time to time because Craig plays defense, too.

"Anthony's probably not a true quarterback. He's more like an athlete playing quarterback. But he's our leader on the field and I like having him touch the football on every play," he added.

Hempfield averaged only 9.8 points per game last season. Ruffner hopes to diversify his offense more this season through receivers Tony Torchetta, Jeremy Walker and Trenin Marsonek.

On defense, the coach's goal is simple: give up fewer points. The Spartans allowed 23.9 points per game a year ago.

"Way too much," Ruffner said. "Our goal each game is to hold the opponent to 14 points or less. Facing some of the high-octane offenses in our league, that will be tough," he added.

Hempfield plays in the Quad East with traditional powers Central Catholic, Penn Hills and Woodland Hills.

Kiski Area's speed hurt Butler last week. Ruffner insists the Tornado won't be facing similar speed this Friday.

"We're not that fast," He said. "We have to be a bunch of kids who work together and move to the football. No one guy is going to make a lot of big plays for us.

"Butler has the potential to be a very good football team. (Nate) Hartung is well recognized as one of the best (linemen) in the WPIAL and they have some good tailbacks. They're a little inexperienced, but this is a tough game for us."

BUTLER AT HEMPFIELD

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7:30 p.m. Friday

Statistic: Craig Gordon rushed for 66 yards and three touchdowns in Hempfield's 20-17 win over Greensburg Salem last week.

Streak: The Spartans have suffered six consecutive losing seasons.

Strategy: Hempfield allowed 23.9 points per game last year. The team hopes to trim that figure to 14 or fewer this year.

Speaking: "We're not that fast. To succeed defensively, we have to play as a bunch of kids working together and moving to the football. No one guy is going to make a lot of big plays for us." - Hempfield coach Bo Ruffner

Directions:

Take Pennsylvania Turnpike east to Irwin exit. Take Route 30 east for approximately seven miles and take Route 136/West Newton exit. Turn right on Route 136 and travel approximately two miles. High school and stadium are on the right.