BUTLER TWP — The teams used different modes of transportation when Butler hosted Baldwin last season.

The host Golden Tornado traveled by ground, as Damien Pickett carried 29 times for 276 yards and two touchdowns in Butler's 31-21 victory.

The visiting Highlanders moved through the air, as quarterback Doug Altavilla threw for 230 yards and receiver Nick Altavilla caught eight passes for 135 yards and three touchdowns.

Butler and Baldwin are both coming off tough season-opening losses as they meet again at 7:30 p.m. this Friday — this time at Baldwin. And two of the three offensive stars from last year's match-up are still around.

Doug Altavilla, a four-year starter, has graduated. The Highlanders' new quarterback is senior Brandon Schleicher, a converted wide receiver.

“He's got a strong arm and he's more of a running threat than the kid last year,” Butler coach Rob Densmore said. “Not only do we have to put pressure on the quarterback, we have to be disciplined and stay in our lanes while doing so.

“We definitely have to target that receiver. He hurt us last year and they throw to him a lot.”

Nick Altavilla caught six passes for 48 yards in last week's 17-14 loss at Ambridge. He had 45 catches for 726 yards and seven TDs last season.

Pickett had 19 carries for 72 yards and a touchdown in the Tornado's 19-17 home loss to Altoona. Butler rushed for 292 yards and allowed just 26 yards on the ground to Baldwin last year.

“They were much more physical than us last year and their line looks even more physical on film this year,” third-year Baldwin coach Pete Wagner said. “We only return a couple of offensive linemen.

“Our skilled people are back and we'll be counting on them to make plays.”

Vince Persichetti is the Highlanders' top running back. He rushed for 40 yards last week while Schleicher threw for 130, completing 12 of 20 passes.

“I expect them to come out and do some winging on us,” Densmore said. “When we didn't get to the quarterback last week, they (Altoona) completed passes. We need to work on our coverages more.”

Densmore said his defense “lacked consistency,” in the opener, shutting down the Mountain Lions on some series and “getting gouged on the same plays” during others.

The coach said Scott Dietrich and Dallas Hays played well in the secondary. Quarterback Shad Stepp threw for 126 yards and a score.

“It was good that we had a passing game. I thought Shad directed our offense very well,” Densmore said. “We were moving the ball. Turnovers made a big difference.”

Butler punted only twice, but lost three fumbles. Devin Fitz had punts of 44 and 43 yards, drove kickoffs into the end zone and boomed a 37-yard field goal.

“I told him after the game, that's what a Division I kicker does and that's what he looked like,” Densmore said.

Baldwin is 7-13 overall under Wagner, reaching the WPIAL playoffs in his first year. The Highlanders were 3-6 last season.

“That loss at Butler hurt us ... It probably cost us a wild-card playoff bid,” Wagner said. “I think we're a little more balanced offensively this year, though Nick Altavilla is definitely our go-to guy.

“I like the leadership Brandon is showing at quarterback. We have to find a way to match Butler's physicality, though. We didn't do that last year.”

Butler leads the all-time series between the schools, 7-2.