SHALER TWP — Chris Siegle remembers the glory days.

He was the starting quarterback of a Shaler High School football team that won a section title nearly 20 years ago. Now he's in his second season as Titans head coach, trying to bring those days back.

But it hasn't been easy.

“My staff and myself knew the challenge we were undertaking,” Siegle said. “We understand it and we accept it.”

Shaler's new coaching regime will seek its first victory when the Titans (0-1) host Butler (0-1) at 7:30 p.m. Friday night.

The Titans finished 0-9 under Siegle last season and were outscored by the average margin of 44-9. The losses included a 60-26 defeat at Butler, ending Golden Tornado losing skids of 28 section games and 10 games to Shaler.

Shaler opened this season with a 65-3 loss to Central Catholic. The Titans' only three points came on a 23-yard field goal by freshman Anthony Friel late in the game.

“We're developing kids everywhere, including place-kicker,” Siegle said. “Anthony had never experienced kicking a field goal under the lights, under game conditions. That was an opportunity we wanted him to have.

“Our offense didn't do much at all in that game. Then again, we have five offensive linemen who had never put their hands on the ground in a varsity game, matching up against a team that may play its last game this year at Heinz Field or in Hershey. That was an eye-opening experience for us.”

The Titans start two juniors, two sophomores and a freshman up front.

Shaler returns five starters offensively, including senior quarterback Josh Crawford, receivers Robbie Reinheimer and Zach Carney, tight end Ron Schwartz and running back Lou Iezzi.

Crawford started the final three varsity games last season.

“We are still a young team especially up front,” Siegle said. “We've got four seniors playing. Most of our starters last year were sophomores.”

The Titans return six starters defensively, including middle linebacker Tim Nickel, a 210-pound junior who was second team all-conference last year. Senior linebacker Ryan Fitzpatrick, free safety Carney and cornerback Reinheimer are other standouts on that side of the ball.

Siegle said Butler has “bought into Coach (Clyde)Conti's scheme” and described the Tornado as a difficult opponent.

“If they don't make mistakes, they can play with anybody,” he said. “Turnovers and big plays are the deciding factors in most football games.

“Clyde can put you in a bind schematically. You never know what he's going to throw at you. He's one of the best coaches out there.”