WEXFORD — Art Walker Jr. has been a championship-caliber football coach for quite some time.

“That's where it all starts for them,” Butler coach Eric Christy said of the North Allegheny coach. “Tradition is their main thing.

“He's won state titles at different schools and NA football players always come through that program with plenty of talent, knowing what they're doing.”

The Tigers (6-0, 5-0) host Butler (0-6, 0-4) at 7:30 p.m. Friday in a Quad County Conference game at Newman Stadium.

While the Golden Tornado have lost every game by the mercy rule this season, North Allegheny had defeated each of its opponents by at least 24 points before surviving a 10-6 defensive battle with Seneca Valley last week.

And Walker — of all people — can sympathize with Butler's situation this year.

“I understand. I get it ... probably more than they realize,” Walker said. “I went through a season like that as a player at Baldwin. It's rough when you don't have a win.

“It's a tough situation to be in. I respect their kids, seeing how hard they play on film. We respect them as a conference opponent and I personally appreciate how hard the kids and coaches at Butler are working at it.

“All you can do is keep working at it, keep getting better, stay positive ...It may not pay off now, but in the long run, it will pay off for them, in their lives,” Walker added.

North Allegheny leads its series with Butler 31-12. The Tornado have not scored more than seven points in a game against NA since 2006 and have not defeated the Tigers since 2003.

Walker doesn't care.

“We're spending this week preparing for Butler,” he said. “We're not looking past anybody. When you do that, a team can surprise you.”

Christy is hopeful of surprising NA regardless.

“We've got a running back playing quarterback, so, of course, we want to run the ball,” Christy said. “But maybe we can throw a couple of wrinkles in to put their defense back on their heels a little bit.

“Kyler (Callihan) doesn't have a great arm, but it's good enough that you have to respect and honor his ability to throw.”

Callihan carried 29 times for 166 yards in the Tornado's 42-0 loss to Norwin last week. Butler put together four drives of more than 10 plays in that game, only to come up empty.

“We were able to move the football. Now we have to finish,” Christy said.

Nate Cornibe moved from guard to center, Trever Moore from center to guard as the Tornado continue to juggle things up front.

Defensively, end Darin Skidmore and linebacker J.R. Herold have been consistent players.

“J.R. is giving us quality play every week and Darin brings a lot of energy at the defensive end position, even though he gives away size to every team we play,” Christy said.

North Allegheny brings plenty of weapons into Friday's game. Ben Maenza anchors a ground game with 659 yards and 11 touchdowns. Percise Colon has rushed for 320 yards and four TDs, Gunnar Fisher 231 yards and four TDs.

“When you can be diverse in your running attack, it makes things tougher on a defense,” Walker said.

Ben Petschke has settled in at quarterback for the Tigers, who have used multiple players at that position this year.

“Ben has the best command of our offense,” Walker said.

Cade Hoke, son of former Pittsburgh Steeler Chris Hoke, leads the Tiger defense with 42 tackles. Amosis Porter, son of ex-Steeler Joey Porter, has 35 and Luke Colella 28.

North Allegheny has seven starters back on defense from last year.

“We knew that side of the football would be our strength, especially early on,” Walker said.

“They can draw from a deep talent pool in the Wexford area,” Christy said. “And when you have sons of professional athletes on your team, that doesn't hurt.”

Still, Christy said his team will be ready to play.

“We need to put away that North Allegheny mystique,” he said. “They're high school kids like we are and they make mistakes.

“We want to show we belong in this conference. Regardless of our record, we're not quitting. We're not giving up. That's not what we're about.”