BUTLER TWP — With perennial WPIAL power North Allegheny next on the schedule, Butler wrestling coach Scott Stoner is liking what he's seeing.

The Golden Tornado are coming off a second-place finish at the 32-team Southmoreland Tournament. They host the Tigers in a dual meet Wednesday.

“North Allegheny has some state-caliber kids, but they're vulnerable in some spots, too,” Stoner said. “We've got a young team that's been getting better.

“We'll see where both teams are at health-wise. They've had some guys in and out of the lineup and we've got a couple of kids banged up.”

Butler tallied 170 points in the Southmoreland Tournament, trailing only Greenville's 186.5. Greenville has finished first or tied for first in that event three straight years.

McGuffey finished a distant third with 129.5 points.

“I was hoping we could place in the top five there,” Stoner said of the tournament. “Greensburg Salem, Hempfield, one of the teams from Virginia ... There were some good wrestling programs in that event.”

Butler's lone champion was senior Justin Johnson, who went 4-0 with three pins at 195 pounds. He pinned Nate Ansell of Laurel Highlands in 10 seconds in the championship match.

Tornado junior Caleb Baxter placed second at 152 pounds. His lone loss was a 13-4 decision to Ligonier Valley's Robby Patrick, who placed second in the state last year.

Christian Sequete took third at 170 pounds, winning six of seven matches. His only loss was to top-seeded Anthony Welsh of Beth-Center. Sequete decisioned Jimmy Pierce of Laurel Highlands, 6-1, in the consolation finals.

Donovan Malovich had a strong performance at 145 pounds for Butler. He lost his preliminary match, then rattled off six straight wins to place third.

“He missed about a month with a fractured shoulder and strained LCL ligament,” Stoner said. “Donovan got banged up again in a physical third-place match, so we'll have to see how he feels.”

Malovich decisioned Dalton Clark of Ligonier, 10-6, in the consolation finals.

Saavon Mosby placed fourth at 220 pounds for the Tornado, winning three of his four matches. Freshman 120-pounder Jack Codispot was seventh, recording three pins while winning five of his seven matches.

Tommy Greaves placed seventh at 182 pounds, winning three of his five matches.

Butler has never defeated North Allegheny in a dual match. The bouts begin at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Intermediate High School gym.