BUTLER TWP - His team hasn't won a game and his starting lineup is dotted with sophomores.

Yet Butler football coach Garry Cathell retains a positive frame of mind entering Friday night's home opener against Shaler at Art Bernardi Stadium.

Just staying at home on a Friday is reason for optimism.

"That's going to feel pretty good," Cathell admitted.

The Golden Tornado won their final four home games last year and the only time Butler defeated Shaler in the past five years was the last time it played the Titans here - in 2002 by a 17-14 decision.

"Our kids are excited about finally playing at home and they feel the same as I do about staying positive," Cathell said. "If we win this game, we'll be 1-1 and tied for second or third place.

"It's a matter of breaking out, going on the field and putting a good game together," he added.

One thing that will help is the return of tight end Josh Wachter, who is back in the starting lineup after suffering a broken arm in a preseason automobile accident.

Wachter caught 10 passes from his tight end spot during Butler's two scrimmages.

"Nick (quarterback Monteleone) made some solid progress last week and must feel like he has two go-to receivers now," Cathell said. "And Josh gives us another veteran blocker up front.

"Noah Hartung did a great job catching the ball from the tight end spot against Upper St. Clair, but he wasn't ready for the blocking end of it. Josh will be.

"Noah will stay on the field as a receiver again this week. I feel like we have a more multi-dimensional offense put together now," Cathell added.

Monteleone threw for 124 yards against USC last week and, not including sacks, ran for 50 more.

Though Bob Alexander was held to 39 yards rushing a week ago, he has 314 yards rushing through three games.

"We know Bobby can have a big game rushing on any night," Cathell said. "We played two good quarters against Hempfield and two good quarters against Upper St. Clair. Like I said, we have to put a good game together.

"We can't turn the ball over and we can't give up the big play. That's what's been beating us - the big play," he added.

Cathell lauded the play of center Nate Hartung, who has 41 pancake blocks in the past two games combined.

"He's been playing great and he's stayed so positive," the coach said. "Nate, Danny Tatangelo and Bobby Ridley are giving everything they have. They're true leaders."

Defensively, the Tornado tried more stunting and blitzing last week to get to the quarterback.

"I feel we need to do that," Cathell said. "But when you bring linebackers and play that aggressively, you can still get hurt by big plays."

Punter Andrew Goettler injured his neck in practice this week and is questionable for Friday. If he can't punt, Zach Reiser will.

Aaron Dorondo and Kevin Kustarz remain sidelined with shoulder problems.

"Our kids are getting better, regardless of the losses," Cathell said. "Did we get better from the Hempfield to Upper St. Clair games? I think we did.

"Maybe we didn't improve on the scoreboard, but you have to look at the level of competition."

Cathell said the Tornado have been haunted by third-and-long conversions in the early season.

"We haven't been able to capitalize on those situations and we need to do that," he said. "Stop the big play, don't turn the ball over and establish the running game.

"Do those things and we feel we can win this game. Of course, I'm sure Shaler feels the same way."

SHALER AT BUTLER

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7:30 p.m. Friday

Statistic:

Butler quarterback Nick Monteleone threw for 124 yards last week after combining for 72 yards on eight of 36 passing in the season's first two weeks.

Streak:

Shaler has defeated Butler in four of their last five meetings.

Strategy:

The Golden Tornado hope to prevent the big play and establish the running game.

Speaking:

"I'm staying positive and the kids feel the same way. As far as we're concerned, if we win Friday, we're 1-1 and tied for second place with five weeks to go." - Butler coach Garry Cathell