BUTLER TWP - For three years, Butler coach Garry Cathell has been waiting for a football team that plays like it practices. Now he has it.

Problem is, its practices weren't very good last week.

"We didn't have a crisp practice all week," Cathell admitted. "We just had a lot of distractions. We weren't a focused football team, and that showed Friday night.

"We made a lot of mistakes against a team that takes advantage of its opponent's mistakes."

That translated into a 34-0 loss to Upper St. Clair in the Quad North opener for both teams. Now the Golden Tornado (2-1, 0-1) head to Shaler (1-2, 0-1) for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff Friday.

The Titans are coming off a 35-8 loss to North Hills.

"It's a big game in the sense that it's one we're supposed to win," Cathell said. "If you were to place odds on it, we'd be the underdog or favored by a couple of points at best.

"Still, Shaler's been a thorn in our side in recent years. We've lost a lot of close ones to them, and we need to get over that hump."

Butler's running game dried up against USC. Entering the final quarter of that game, the Tornado had zero net yards rushing and tailback Bobby Alexander had minus 14 yards rushing on 12 carries.

For the season, Alexander now has 188 yards on 60 carries.

"We had two problems with our running game last week," Cathell said. "One, they (USC) were jumping up on us, pinning their ears back and coming after us, and we didn't respond well.

"Two, we didn't stick with our game plan once we fell behind because we thought we had to score points quickly.

"We have to get back to running the football. If you can't run the ball in Quad-A football, you're in trouble," Cathell added.

The Tornado have been throwing it fairly well. Quarterback Nick Monteleone has completed 30 of 59 passes for 405 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Both interceptions came in the first quarter last week.

Jordan Roycroft has nine catches for 147 yards, tight end Noah Hartung nine catches for 98 yards and Andy Strutt seven catches for 90 yards. Strutt didn't catch a pass last week.

Butler might get a lift this week with the anticipated return of safety Ian Haley, who hasn't played in the regular season because of an ankle sprain.

Hartung has a sore knee and is listed as probable this week. If he can't play, Aaron Dorondo will fill the void at tight end.

"Aaron had a big game defensively last week, and Jade Burka played well on that side of the ball," Cathell said. "Those were a couple of positives to come out of that game."

Junior defensive end Joe Titler has a sore shoulder and his playing status is in question Friday.

"Joey's also been doing a great job as our long snapper," Cathell pointed out. "We definitely don't want to lose him."

In facing Shaler, Butler must deal with the Wing-T.

"It's a deceptive offense and we have to play with discipline," Cathell said. "I have a lot of respect for Jacque (Shaler coach DeMatteo) and what he's done with that program."

Cathell said this is the closest-knit Butler team he's had in his four years at the helm.

"These kids hang out together. They care about each other," Cathell said. "They feel embarrassed a little bit about last week.

"To be honest, I'd like to play Upper St. Clair again because I believe we can beat them. Our kids have to believe we can get to the playoffs and get a chance to play them again."