BUTLER TWP — Jim Rankin brings a pedigree. But will he bring results?

Butler enters the 2010 season under the guidance of its fourth head coach in 10 years. Rankin owns 181 wins and numerous playoff berths as former head coach of North Allegheny and Ellwood City.

He's taking over a Butler program that has gone winless two of the past three years, hasn't won a section game since 2006, hasn't been to the WPIAL playoffs since 1998 and hasn't had a winning season since 1997.

"We're re-installing football here," Rankin said. "That's the best way to put it. Whoever did what for this team last year really doesn't matter.

"We're putting a lot on these kids. There are new systems being put in place and they have to get more physical," he added. "But I'm pleased with how they're responding. Things are going better than I expected so far."

The Golden Tornado will use the Wing-T, a Rankin offense that dates back decades.

"I saw Canton McKinley (Ohio) running it back in 1980 and knew that was the offense I wanted as a head coach," Rankin said. "It hides the ball, spreads it around to a number of backs and it's difficult to defend."

Carlos Sanchez is Butler's top returning rusher with all of 73 yards last year. He'll be in the backfield mix with Cole Baxter, Matt Pribis, Trevor Wideman, Demetrius Lockley and others.

The quarterback will be either senior Jordan Lumley, who completed 13 of 18 passes in limited action a year ago, or sophomore Zach Rader.

"Plenty of these guys have the ability to run the football," Rankin said. "And the best part of the Wing-T is you can run it with any type of quarterback back there.

"With the option, you need a running quarterback. In the spread, you need a kid who can throw. With the Wing-T, you can be versatile."

Baxter said the players are excited about the changes.

"It's different, but it's still football," he said. "The Wing-T is a lot to learn, but we're getting it down. We want to be the group that turns this program around."

A.J. Lee, a 6-foot-5 senior, is a big target at wide receiver. Dave Hohn joins him at that position. Tanner Wahler and Travis Reed are tight ends.

Adam Steiner, a 260-pound right tackle, anchors the offensive line. Mike McPherson and Chris Huselton are other tackles, with Jordan Allen and Tyler Miltko at guard, Tyler Hays at center.

The Tornado will line up in a 34 on defense. Huselton is the nose guard, Steiner, Ben McKnight and Reed the tackles.

"We're developing a few more kids to rotate in there. I'd like to have six or so," Rankin said.

Inside linebackers include Wahler, Miltko, Allen and Paul Kotek. Outside backers are Baxter, Pribis, Sanchez and Dakoda Collins.

"Those outside guys are vital in this defense because they have to be so versatile in terms of attacking the line of scrimmage and playing coverages," Rankin said.

Pribis has no problem with it.

"I'm already seeing more team toughness," he said. "We're more of a unit, playing together on both sides of the ball."

Lee, Lumley and Darius Hightower are cornerbacks, Dane Patricelli, Derek Lenhart and Wideman safeties.

Marc Hunka, a senior, is handling the kicking chores.

"We'll work hard, identify mistakes and fix them," Rankin said. "The key is to keep getting better game-by-game.

"Jumping right into it with New Castle, North Allegheny, Canon McMillan ... it's not so much where we're playing those teams as it is the caliber of those teams. Those are tough opponents."

The Tornado's first three games are on the road. The home opener isn't until Sept. 24 vs. Pine-Richland.