BUTLER TWP - There's no defense for no defense.

That's been the biggest problem this season for Butler and Seneca Valley as Butler County's Quad-A football teams prepare to end their Quad North seasons Friday night at Art Bernardi Stadium.

Both teams are winless in conference play. The Golden Tornado have allowed 35 points per game while the Raiders are permitting 39 per game against Quad North competition.

The winner of Friday's contest receives the Butler Eagle Traveling Trophy.

"Our offense has been successful with the passing game and our special teams have been solid most of the year," Butler coach Garry Cathell. "There's no secret we've had a lot of problems on defense.

"Our coaches have been trying everything. We've used multiple fronts, stunting, not stunting. … I don't believe it's our schemes. We just haven't been getting it done."

Eric Petanovich has been Butler's most consistent performer defensively at an end spot. Defensive back Ian Haley has been the Tornado's most consistent tackler since returning to action two weeks ago.

"We've missed the intensity Ian brings to the game," Cathell said.

Butler (2-6, 0-6) hasn't missed its running game of late as its passing game has taken wing. Quarterback Nick Monteleone has thrown for 1,386 yards this season, including 688 in the past three games, and has been intercepted only eight times in 205 passes.

Running back Bobby Alexander, healthy again after rushing for 992 yards a year ago, saw no time in the backfield at Mt. Lebanon last Friday. Ben Ashcraft was the Tornado's lone back in a one-back set and had just one carry - on a direct snap from center.

"Ben is better suited for the scheme we're using right now," Cathell said. "He's back there primarily to help with (pass) protection and he's doing a good job.

"We threw the ball 41 times and were sacked only three times."

Jordan Roycroft has 35 catches for 474 yards this season while Andy Strutt has 34 for 466. Butler's tight end combination of Noah Hartung and Aaron Dorondo has 19 catches for 218 yards.

Hartung had season-ending knee surgery last week. Senior linebacker and fellow tri-captain Phil Scialabba is having knee surgery this week.

"It's our senior night Friday and some of our seniors will be out there on golf carts," Cathell said.

Butler started the season with only 11 seniors on the roster.

Once the pre-game Senior Night festivities are over, Seneca Valley (1-7, 0-6) must decide which way to defend the Tornado passing attack.

"Teams have tried it both ways: dropping back into coverage and blitzing," Cathell said. "Nick has been effective either way.

"He's good at picking up the hot receiver when he's under pressure, and he throws the ball very accurately when he has time to survey the field."

Cathell refused even to hint that Butler would revert to a running game against a Raider defense that has struggled to stop the run.

"Our teams really mirror each other that way," Cathell said. "But we'd be crazy to go away from what we've been doing offensively because it's been working so well."

Butler completed more passes last week - 26 - than a lot of high school teams will attempt in a couple of weeks.

"We use more of a high percentage passing game," Cathell said. "We don't have the deep threat, but our kids work hard to get open and we have to work the ball downfield.

"We've been able to put together some lengthy drives that way. I'm excited about what's happening with our passing game."

Monteleone has thrown for more than 100 yards in every game this season.

Like Butler, Seneca Valley has found success moving the football through the air.

"This should be an interesting game that way," Cathell said. "Kevan Smith is an outstanding quarterback and we have to contend with him."

Butler will close its season next Thursday at the loser of Friday's Norwin-Penn-Trafford game.