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BUTLER TWP — Two streaks Butler football would like to forget about can be disposed of come Friday.
The Golden Tornado, coming off a 24-9 loss at Seneca Valley, play their home opener against Shaler at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Art Bernardi Stadium.
Butler has lost 28 consecutive Quad North games, dating back to 2006. It has dropped nine straight games to the Titans, last defeating Shaler in 2002 (17-14).
“There's a new coaching staff down there and they have those kids working hard,” Butler coach Clyde Conti said.
Shaler graduate Chris Siegle has taken the reins of the Titan grid program from Neil Gordon, who resigned after last year's 5-5 season.
Conti's Butler players are working pretty hard themselves.
The Tornado trailed Seneca Valley — expected to be one of the elite teams in WPIAL Quad-A this fall — by one score in the fourth quarter last week. Butler marched 80 yards in 14 plays with its first possession of the season and had the lead twice in the first half.
“We found a lot of positives from that game that we can build on,” Conti said.
Bob Vernick had a stellar game at linebacker for Butler and led the team's ground attack with 35 yards on five carries. The Tornado ran for 100 yards and threw for 100 on the night.
“Vernick is a real team player who we can line up virtually anywhere,” Conti said. “I love his approach to the game. He's going to play hard and play strong no matter where we put him.”
Jake Olenick had nine carries for 32 yards and scored Butler's touchdown. He left the game in the second quarter with an injury.
“Jake has been one of our best players and we missed him when he went out,” Conti said. “Hopefully, we'll get him back for at least part-time action this Friday.”
Butler suffered no other injuries from last week's game.
Quarterback Jordan Cratty threw for 110 yards against SV. He was spelled at times behind center by Tom Jendesky as Cratty plays safety defensively.
“We're trying to keep guys as fresh as possible,” Conti reasoned. “Cratty is one of those old-school athletes who plays football, basketball and runs track. He does a nice job running with and throwing the football and is becoming a real leader for us.”
Canan Roskovski had eight catches for 99 yards last week and added kick returns of 74 and 33 yards, along with a 36-yard punt return to accumulate 242 all-purpose yards.
“Canan gives us speed back there and (assistant coach) Bill Elliott does a great job with our special teams,” Conti said. “We spend a lot of time in that area.
“He (Roskovski) had an outstanding game and is our go-to guy, but I'd like to see more people get their hands on the ball in our passing game.”
Shaler is coming off a 35-0 season-opening loss to Central Catholic. The Titans trailed that game 35-0 at halftime.
“That score is misleading,” Conti said. “Shaler can do a lot of things well. They run a similar offense to Seneca Valley in that they spread you out. They have the ability to strike fast on you.
“They've got three receivers they can get the football to and defensively, they're aggressive and get to the football. Their linebackers really come up and hit you.”
