BUTLER TWP — Playoffs are not on the line for Butler Friday night.

But pride certainly is.

The Golden Tornado football team (2-4) closes its season by hosting Erie (1-4) for a 7 p.m. kickoff at Art Bernardi Stadium.

“This is our playoff game,” Butler coach Eric Christy said. “That's how we're approaching it.”

Butler is looking to win three games in a row, something the program hasn't done since 2002. But one of those wins that year — the season opener against Kiski Area — was due to a forfeit as the Cavaliers used an illegal player that night.

The Tornado have not won three straight games on the field since 1998 — victories of 28-7 over Central Catholic, 20-9 over Fox Chapel and 15-14 over North Allegheny — when Christy was Butler's starting quarterback.

“We know we're going to get their best,” Erie coach Rob Matz said. “That team has been getting better and better.”

The same can be said for the Royals. Despite being shut out (20-0) by McDowell last week — only the second shutout loss in the program's four-year history — Erie drove inside McDowell's 10-yard line three times and came away empty.

“We just didn't finish,” Matz said.

“They put together three long drives against one of the elite teams in the state,” Christy said of Erie. “You have to respect that.”

While a win over the Royals Friday would pull Butler into a tie for the second spot in the District 10 6A region standings, Erie has already gotten the playoff berth and will face unbeaten McDowell in postseason play next weekend.

The playoff matchup was decided after this Butler-Erie rematch was postponed two weeks ago because of a COVID-19 situation in Erie.

“Had we played the game when it was scheduled and beaten them, we might have gotten some (playoff) consideration,” Christy said. “But we can't complain. We did lose to them the first time.”

Erie scored a 35-25 victory over the Tornado Sept. 26 at Veterans Stadium. The Royals rushed for 382 yards in that game. Jermaine Selby had 12 carries for 142 yards, J.J. Woodward 19 for 96, Steve Smith 12 for 90 and quarterback Jahil Grandberry eight for 51.

A touchdown pass to Justin Kabay — which would have given Butler a 12-point lead at halftime — was wiped out by a penalty.

“If we get that score and that lead, maybe the game turns out differently,”Christy said.

Smith was injured in the McDowell game, but is expected to play Friday.

“They have a big line, pack everybody in there and run it right at you,” Christy said. “It's like the Tennessee Titans with Derrick Henry. You know what's coming, but it's still hard to stop it.”

Since Butler shifted Cooper Baxter to middle linebacker on defense, the Tornado have stiffened against the run. Blackhawk was held to 118 yards on the ground, Slippery Rock only 19 the past two weeks.

“Their quarterback plays linebacker and ours plays defensive end,” Matz said. “That speaks for the athleticism and unselfishness of both those kids. They are physical, talented players.”

Matz pointed out the Royals are capable of throwing the ball as well. They do have a 6-foot-8 tight end in Marquell Darnell, a Division I college prospect.

“We threw the ball 21 times last week,” Matz said. “Butler has a strong tight end (Charlie Kreinbucher), too. Both can make plays.”

Right guard Jake Pomykata was Butler's Offensive Lineman of the Week in the team's 28-3 win over Slippery Rock.

“Jake is a captain. He's a leader and he played like one,” Christy said.

The Eagle sports staff's third season of Upon Further Review, a weekly show discussing Butler County area high school football, can be viewed on the Butler Eagle Sports Facebook page.