OK, it's only five games.

It's not right to get carried away by that, but the 5-0 start to the Butler boys basketball season is just what that school district needed.

It's not that Butler's athletic department has been starving for a winner. The wrestling team produced a WPIAL champion last year, the baseball and softball teams won WPIAL playoff games, the girls tennis team reached the playoffs, just to mention a few successes.

But reality suggests that the two sports that generate school and community spirit are football and basketball.

The Golden Tornado girls basketball team has done its part in recent years and does draw pretty good crowds against certain opponents.

The football team's struggles have been well-documented and the boys basketball team has reached the playoffs only once in the past nine years.

A successful boys basketball program can routinely pack a gym. When Mars plays Knoch, Karns City, Moniteau, Union or A-C Valley play any KSAC rival, open seats are hard to come by.

Butler hasn't had that atmosphere in recent years, even in games against rivals Seneca Valley and North Allegheny.

When New Castle ventured here, the stands would be filled, but loads of traveling Red Hurricanes fans had a lot to do with that.

Butler's perfect record through four road games resulted in a nearly packed house for the home opener against North Hills. Clement Crazies T-shirts were made available and there was more enthusiasm in that gym than has been witnessed in years.

Face it. This town is starved for a winner.

Brian Minto filled that void to a degree with his boxing exploits, but he's one guy. This is a team.

Former Butler coach Joe Lewandowski was a good coach and an even better man who deserved a better fate. He drew more players to the program and provided Matt Clement with an experienced group.

But there's no doubt Clement has made a difference. His own athletic prowess commands respect and his personal work ethic is a living example for his players to follow.

When Clement speaks, they listen. He's surrounded himself with a solid staff, the players — and their parents — have bought into the program and it's all working.

The Golden Tornado gave up a 14-0 run on the road at Woodland Hills and responded with a 17-0 run of their own to win a game. They fell behind 10-2 in the first few minutes at Shaler and put together a 15-4 run in the final four minutes to win another.

Their self-confidence is evident. They believe in themselves and in the guy running the program.

This quickly became Clement's program. He's gotten the support of the administration, the athletes, the parents and the community.

The result of all this is a basketball team we can all be excited about and take pride in.

Now the school board and administration are looking for a new football coach.

I hope they're taking notes.

John Enrietto is sports editor of the Butler Eagle.