BUTLER TWP - A big crowd, a big ceremony, a big band and a big start.

That's the plan Butler High football coach Garry Cathell hopes to execute when the Golden Tornado open the 2005 season Friday night against Kiski Area at Art Bernardi Stadium.

"We want to win these games," Cathell said, referring to non-league contests with Kiski and Hempfield. "Wins are what these kids need more than anything.

"We should match up with everybody we play. It's just a matter of these kids getting a couple of wins under their belts."

While Butler has few seniors, it has plenty of experience. The entire backfield - quarterback Nick Monteleone, tailback Bob Alexander and fullback Ben Ashcraft - started at those positions most of last year.

Receivers Jordan Roycroft, Shane Snyder and Adam Zaccari saw action at those spots a year ago. The Tornado's leading receiver from 2004, Noah Hartung, has moved to tight end.

Hartung did not play in scrimmages against Gateway and Woodland Hills while recovering from knee surgery, but he will play Friday.

"He'll only play offense," Cathell said. "Noah hasn't gotten enough reps in at inside linebacker yet."

Butler's top receiver in preseason camp, Ian Haley, will miss Friday's opener with a sprained ankle. Cory Haley will see time at receiver, however.

While the Tornado graduated most of their starting offensive line, this year's starters have played quite a bit.

"Randy Craig and Tyler Kristophel filled in for injuries some last year," Cathell said. "Anthony McElhinny played some last year and Marcus Hough is a third-year starter.

"All the talk going into last year's opener was about our big line. Going into this year, we're more seasoned and I think we've improved our conditioning.

"These August openers are usually like a sauna, but it will be a little cooler this time and that will help," Cathell added.

Aaron Dorondo, a fullback who missed nearly all of last season with a dislocated shoulder, will see time at fullback Friday. Ashcraft will move to tailback when Alexander gets a breather.

"We'll have to give Bobby a rest from time to time because he's starting at strong safety defensively," Cathell said.

One surprising starter for Butler will be senior Jade Burka. The first-year player will start at defensive tackle and is the No. 2 tight end.

"Jade's raw as a football player, but he plays with great tenacity and has tremendous athletic ability," Cathell said. "He's only going to get better the more he plays."

Kristophel joins Burka at tackle. Hough is the nose guard with Eric Petanovich and Joe Titler starting at end.

Dorondo and Phil Scialabba are the linebackers. Dan D'Amore is at free safety with Cory Haley and Shane Snyder the cornerbacks.

"We only have three seniors starting on defense and two on offense," Cathell said. "Though we have some experience, we're still a young team."

Kiski returns its starting quarterback in Mychal Skinner, its leading rusher in Nate Kriley and leading receiver in Ryan Radebach.

Last year's freshman coach, Chris Heater, takes over as varsity head coach, replacing the retired Dave Grimm.

"That will be a smooth transition for them," Cathell said. "He (Heater) knows the kids and they've got tradition down there in terms of making the playoffs.

"This won't be an easy game, but I think our kids are up for the challenge."

KISKI AREA VS. BUTLER

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7:30 p.m., Friday

Streak:

Butler has lost its last three games vs. Kiski Area, including a 27-10 decision last year.

Statistic:

The Golden Tornado will be starting a quarterback (Nick Monteleone) and running back (Bob Alexander) who combined for more than 2,000 yards passing and running last year.

Strategy:

Butler will try to use its experience at the skilled positions to control the football.

Speaking:

"This should be a very good game. Kiski is still a good football team and should be very competitive … and I think our team will be much different." - Butler coach Garry Cathell