BUTLER TWP - All Garry Cathell asks of his Butler football team is for it to have a good memory - and to produce more positive ones.

That formula has worked so far for the Golden Tornado as they've already avenged 2004 losses to Kiski Area and Hempfield.

Now, they host Upper St. Clair Friday night at Art Bernardi Stadium. The Panthers defeated Butler 35-7 last year, blocking two punts in the process.

"That's the kind of stuff I emphasize to the kids," Cathell said. "They blocked two of your punts last year. What are you gonna do about it?

"We're not in awe of Upper St. Clair and its great record. This is business as usual for us. We could have gone into Heinz Field last week in awe of that stadium, all wide-eyed and googly. But the kids went down there to win a football game.

"This is a focused group. They played hard last year and they're playing hard this year, only now they're a little more battle-tested," Cathell added.

Butler will really be tested Friday by the visiting Panthers (2-0), who own 2005 wins of 43-0 and 40-0 over Canon-McMillan and Baldwin, respectively.

"They take advantage of the other team's mistakes and they're very solid offensively and defensively," Cathell said. "But we match up with them.

"Our quarterback is as good as their quarterback. Our tailback is as good as their tailback. Our kids believe we can win this game. We can't commit penalties or turn the ball over. That's an area we need to improve upon from last week."

The Tornado had nine penalties for 75 yards against Hempfield and have lost three fumbles in two weeks.

Quarterback Nick Monteleone has yet to throw an interception, however, and has completed 18 of 30 passes for 241 yards and three touchdowns through two games.

"Nick is such a bright young man and he's game-seasoned from last year," Cathell said. "I think teams are still trying to decide the best way to defend against him.

"Make him stay in the pocket and he can deliver the football. Chase him out of the pocket and he can make plays on the run. He keeps getting better with each game."

Monteleone already has completed passes to six different players. Andy Strutt leads the team with seven catches for 90 yards.

Butler has featured a balanced attack through two games, something Cathell attributes to his offensive line. That line features Anthony McElhinney at left tackle, Nick Shulik at left guard, Ryan Miller at center, Tyler Kristophel at right guard, Randy Craig at right tackle and Noah Hartung at tight end.

"Those guys have been playing steady football for us," Cathell said. "We haven't allowed many sacks. Other than a couple of holding penalties, they've played great."

Shulik has been playing for senior Marcus Hough, who will likely be sidelined until at least Week 8 with a knee injury.

Linebacker Phil Scialabba remains sidelined with a knee injury as well. Cornerback Ian Haley will miss his third straight game with a high ankle sprain.

Butler lost sophomore kick returner Michael Bresnahan to a broken collarbone suffered in the sophomores' 6-0 loss to Woodland Hills over the weekend.

"We're a little nicked up," Cathell admitted.

But the Tornado stay fresh on the field. Kristophel, a guard and defensive tackle, is the only Butler player who starts regularly on both sides of the ball.

"That's been a tremendous help to us," Cathell said. "Between having so many one-way players and our off-season conditioning, we've been in great shape in the fourth quarter.

Butler has outscored its opponents 30-7 in the second half thus far.

On defense, ends Eric Petanovich and Joe Titler are coming off big games against Hempfield.

"Petanovich is a playmaker," Cathell said. "It seems that every time he makes a big play, our entire defense responds.

"Joey's come a long way. He was a junior varsity player last year and his game has risen to this level quickly."

Special teams have been a plus as well. Chris Haley has connected on three field goals and put four kickoffs into the end zone through two games. Punter Andy Goettler has drilled four of six punts more than 40 yards downfield.

"We've covered punts well with Shane Snyder and Matt Saeler as our gunners and we've allowed only two kickoffs to be returned past the 25-yard line," Cathell said. "We're feasting off good field position."