NEW CASTLE — The New Castle High football program is where Butler wants to be.

After missing the WPIAL playoffs for a number of seasons, the Red Hurricane qualified in each of the past three years.

Coach Jim Rankin and the Golden Tornado invade Taggart Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Friday looking to take the first step toward turning their program in that direction.

"This game has been a knock down, drag 'em out type of fight the past two years, and we expect this one to be no different," said New Castle coach Frank Bongivengo Jr.

"Coach Rankin has always done a great job getting his teams ready to play, no matter where he's been. His arrival is a big plus for Butler."

The Tornado posted a 28-21 win at Taggart Stadium to begin the 2008 season. Last year, New Castle claimed a 20-14 decision at Art Bernardi Stadium.

"One thing Butler always brings is a physical game," Bongivengo said. "They have tough kids and they'll hit you."

One thing New Castle always brings is speed, and this year is no exception.

Junior quarterback John Matarazzo, who is 6-feet-3 and 210 pounds, returns to run the spread offense he excelled in a year ago. He completed 130-of-200 passes for 2,128 yards and 18 touchdowns.

"He's a big kid and primarily a drop-back passer," Bongivengo said. "But he can run the ball when he needs to.

"I can't say I was surprised with what he did last year. John's a talented kid and we had high expectations for him.

"Being the second or third leading passer in the WPIAL ... maybe he exceeded those expectations a little bit," he added.

The Hurricane did graduate a pair of playmakers in running back Keith Keene (1,196 yards from scrimmage) and receiver JaJuan Jay (20 catches for 374 yards).

They also return plenty of weapons, including Justin Fleo, who had 77 carries for 730 yards and eight touchdowns. He also caught 30 passes for 469 yards.

"There will be more on Justin's shoulders this year," Bongivengo said. "He'll be the single back in our backfield and we'll keep him involved in the passing game because he's been so effective there."

Marcus Carter (23 catches for 472 yards) and Darien Rice (16-346) combined for six TD receptions in 2009. They return and junior Corey Eggleston joins them.

"Corey is one of our better basketball players who's out for football this year," Bongivengo said. "He's our slotback and he'll play some corner for us, too."

Most of New Castle's offensive line is back, anchored by 6-2, 300-pound tackle Vinny Nerti, who is being recruited by some Division I-AA schools.

The New Castle defense is led by 6-2, 230-pound end Latrell McKnight and senior linebacker Jesse Ambuster, who missed last year with a knee injury.

Fleo and Carter man a safety and a corner position, respectively.

"We're in the process of revamping our special teams," Bongivengo said. "We lost our kicker from last year and we're developing a couple of other kids there. We've got work to do in that area."