BUTLER TWP - One statistic stands out during Butler's current three-game losing streak.

The Golden Tornado (2-3, 0-3) enter Friday's homecoming game against North Allegheny at Art Bernardi Stadium having surrendered 1,073 yards rushing in those defeats.

"It all comes down to basic tackling," Butler coach Garry Cathell said. "It's not a personnel issue or a coaching issue.

"We need to get our kids to tackle better and be in position to make tackles. That's what we're working on this week more than anything."

Cathell said such work requires intense tackling drills, which he's hesitant to do given his team's injury situation.

"We're almost afraid to do it with the number of kids we have banged up, but we have no choice," he admitted. "We've got to improve there."

Starting offensive tackle Randy Craig is the latest to join the Tornado injury list. He had a MRI done on his tibia Tuesday and is definitely out of Friday's game.

Linebacker Phil Scialabba was re-injured Friday at North Hills and is not expected to play against North Allegheny. Tight end-linebacker Noah Hartung returned to action last week, but his mobility is limited.

"You can see on the game films. … It's pretty gutsy what he's doing right now," Cathell said of Hartung.

Defensive back Ian Haley and two-way lineman Marcus Hough remain on the shelf, and running back Bobby Alexander is questionable this week.

"Our trainers list (Alexander) as week to week, but it's more likely he won't play until next week," Cathell said.

"We're leaning on our passing game right now and we've gotten some good play out of (fullback) Ben Ashcraft."

Brandon Irvin, a running back who enrolled at Butler early last week, had nine carries for 17 yards and returned a couple of kickoffs against North Hills.

"He's got the ability to break away, if we can get him going," Cathell said. "Brandon will settle in and get more comfortable."

Quarterback Nick Monteleone has completed 50 of 106 passes for 595 yards, throwing for more than 100 yards in each game.

In Butler's two wins, Monteleone has three touchdown passes and no interceptions. In the Tornado's three losses, he has no touchdown passes and five interceptions.

Andy Strutt has 15 catches for 216 yards for Butler while Jordan Roycroft has 13 catches for 200 yards. The tight end combination of Hartung and Aaron Dorondo has 10 catches for 121 yards.

"It comes down to which team makes the fewest mistakes when the teams are equal," Cathell said. "I consider Butler and North Allegheny to be equal in ability."

Another factor could be special teams. Chris Haley already has booted six field goals and punter Andy Goettler averages 40 yards punt.

The Tornado will be without one of their gunners on punt coverage, Matt Saeler, who aggravated a sore shoulder in the North Hills game.

"Our special teams have been a plus all the way around," Cathell said. "That unit could make a difference this week."

North Allegheny has the same record entering the Butler game as it had a year ago. The Tigers throttled Butler, 45-14, in Wexford last season, won their next two games and qualified for the WPIAL playoffs.

"No doubt, both teams need this game," Cathell said. "It's at our place, it's homecoming and our kids are excited.

"Some coaches think all of the homecoming stuff serves as a distraction, but I don't feel that way. It's good for the kids to get their minds off all of the football stuff once in a while.

"I'm sure we'll be focused and ready to play," the coach added.