BUTLER TWP - Butler's victory over Bethel Park last year was one thing - physical.

The Golden Tornado ran the ball on 51 of their 58 offensive plays in throttling the Black Hawks, 42-14, at Art Bernardi Stadium. Calvin Littlejohn had 31 carries for 191 yards and three touchdowns in the win.

Littlejohn is gone. Bethel Park (4-2, 3-1) is coming back, however, for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff Friday in Butler's homecoming game.

"I'm sure they're not happy about coming up here two years in a row," Butler coach Garry Cathell said. "That's a third reason they'll be focused in on us."

The other two are that 42-14 loss here last year and a 31-0 home loss to Upper St. Clair last week.

Running the ball is not something Butler (0-6, 0-4) has done well lately. Leading rusher Bob Alexander (473 yards, six TDs) returns to the lineup after missing last week's 45-14 loss at North Allegheny.

The Tornado netted only 26 yards rushing against NA and have been held to less than 100 yards rushing in three of their last four games.

"We have to run the football - at least show we can run the football," Cathell said. "I like the run-pass scenario more than the pass-run.

"An effective running game can set you up for a lot of other things."

Sophomore quarterback Nick Monteleone has enjoyed four successive 100-yard passing games. Noah Hartung and Josh Wachter have combined for 25 catches and 311 yards.

Turnovers proved costly against North Allegheny. Butler turned the ball over only five times in its first five games combined before suffering six turnovers in a 45-14 loss to the Tigers.

"As long as we take care of the ball, the development of Nick combined with the return of Bobby to the lineup should enable us to move the football," Cathell said.

While the Tornado offense has been effective in spots, the defense has allowed 11 touchdowns and 80 points in the past two games.

Butler is switching from the 43 defense to the 50 defense so it can slow Bethel down.

"We had to do something after allowing all those points," Cathell said. "We think our kids can perform well in the 50."

Marcus Hough will be the nose guard while Nate Hartung and Adam Pritts will divide time at left tackle. Wachter is at right tackle; Tom Gaul and Noah Hartung are the ends.

Dan Tatangelo and Frank Kowalkowski will be the linebackers.

"Putting our three big kids inside and two pretty good athletes outside for containment, … we think that can give them (Black Hawks) problems," Cathell said.

Senior Jesse Binus will be at strong safety, with sophomores Adam Zaccari, Ian and Corey Haley at the corners.

Cathell is emphasizing the "little things" in practice this week, such as jumping offside, not following through on plays, mental lapses and footwork up front.

"Doing the little things right help you win football games," he said.

Bethel Park's one-two running punch of Chris Boris and B.J. Bytner concern the coach the most this week.

"They run the ball really well," Cathell said. "They'll try to attack us outside, I'm sure. North Allegheny had success doing that.

"They're a solid team with no superstars. They're good because they work together," he added.

Butler will be debuting a new digital scoreboard Friday night, including a message board.