BUTLER TWP - Butler's offense hasn't scored a point against North Hills since its 28-20 upset of the Indians in 2000.

North Hills has allowed just seven points in its last three football games.

Yet it's the Indians' offense that concerns Butler coach Garry Cathell entering their 7:30 p.m. Friday game at Art Bernardi Stadium.

"All great teams have an identity and with North Hills, I think it's their diversity on offense," Cathell said. "They can do so many things well."

Butler's identity? That's another issue.

"Our biggest problem is finding an identity," Cathell said. "There has to be something our kids can set their minds to and really be good at.

"Is it running the ball? Throwing the ball? Defensive man coverage? Stunting? Whatever it is, we have to find it," he added.

Earlier this year, that identity looked to be the Tornado running game. Bob Alexander rushed for 275 yards in Butler's first two games but has managed just 103 in the past two.

Quarterback Nick Monteleone completed just 8-of-36 passes for 72 yards in Butler's first two games. He's completed 23-of-50 aerials for 241 yards and no interceptions in the last two games.

"Do I want to throw on every down? Absolutely not," Cathell said. "But I'm beginning to think we may become more of a passing team. Nick has been as consistent a player as any kid we have."

Monteleone has shown the ability to find different receivers. Four players - Alexander, Noah Hartung, Jordan Roycroft and Luke Renwick - have at least four receptions each.

Tight end Josh Wachter caught two passes, including a 30-yarder, in his return to tight end Monday night against Shaler.

"Our running game has struggled lately because of a lot of things," Cathell said. "Our blocking, our (lack of) aggressiveness and some shuffling around of people up front.

"Marcus Hough has played guard and tackle, Charlie Rodgers has filled in at guard, Noah and Rich Hasychak have been at tight end. A lot of people have moved in and out," he added.

Shaler controlled the ball on Butler's defense and the Tornado have scored two touchdowns in a game only once - in a 16-15 loss at Hempfield.

Now Butler has to face an unbeaten North Hills team on just three days rest.

Cathell said he didn't go to bed Monday night after his team's 19-11 loss to Shaler.

"I went home and watched that game film, then broke down films on North Hills," he said. "It's typical coaching stuff, but you usually have three days to do it. This week, I had one.

"I wanted to bring our seniors in today (Tuesday) and talk to them. I know they're banged up and feeling down, but we have to get back to work," Cathell added.

Recognizing the versatility of Indians quarterback Ryan Lehmeier, Cathell said Butler would work on North Hills' offensive tendencies rather than its quarterback's skills.

"We could assign someone to shadow the kid, but that leaves someone else open," the coach said. "Lehmeier is a playmaker, but he's not the only one they have.

"(Butler defensive coordinator Rick Roth) does a great job of knowing our opponent's tendencies. On that third-and-13 play against Shaler, we knew they were gonna run the draw. They always do in that situation. We had our defense in position to stop it. We just didn't do it," he added.

That draw play went for 16 yards and led to Shaler's first touchdown of the game.

While Cathell isn't giving up on reaching the playoffs this season, he's continuing to build his program.

"North Hills has been winning for a long time and those kids believe they can win," he said. "What it takes to change our situation is a special group that comes along, throws all of the old notions away and just gets it done.

"That group may be here now, but I'm still looking at the big picture, too. I don't want one group to be a one-hit wonder. I want to get this program to the point where it reloads every year. You do that through numbers and using a system, and by continuing to work hard.

"Our kids work so hard, they're a great practice team, a great bunch of guys to be around, they do anything I ask them to do. … Why can't we get it done on Friday nights? I'm still hoping we can," Cathell added.

NORTH HILLS AT BUTLER

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7:30 p.m., Friday

Statistic:

Luke Renwick caught three passes for 43 yards Monday night vs. Shaler. He had one catch for four yards in Butler's first three games combined.

Streak:

Butler's offense hasn't scored a point vs. North Hills in their last three games with the Indians.

Strategy:

The Golden Tornado will concentrate on North Hills' offensive tendencies, not the individual talents of quarterback Ryan Lehmeier.

Speaking:

"Our running game has struggled the past two weeks for a number of reasons, including our blocking and needing more aggressiveness from our guys." - Butler coach Garry Cathell