BUTLER TWP - The gesture seemed insignificant and was unnoticed by most observers.

Butler sophomore quarterback Nick Monteleone was voted an honorary team captain by his teammates for the North Hills game last week.

"The players elect an honorary captain each week," Butler coach Garry Cathell said. "It's significant to me because it shows the kids have confidence in him and respect how hard he's worked. They believe in him as a team leader."

Monteleone's leadership abilities on the field might be tested more this week as the Golden Tornado (0-5, 0-3) travel to North Allegheny (1-4, 0-3) for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff Friday at Newman Stadium.

Butler has lost big - 42-7 and 42-9 - in its last two visits to NA, and running back Bob Alexander is questionable this week with a slightly separated shoulder.

Alexander has rushed for 473 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 7.2 yards per carry. Bobby Ridley is Butler's next most productive back with 69 yards rushing on 13 carries.

"We'll wait and see on Bobby's status," Cathell said. "If he can't go, we'll do what we have to do."

If Alexander can't play, Ridley will start at tailback with Ben Ashcraft at fullback. At times, Ashcraft, who has 18 carries for 56 yards this year, will play tailback with Dan Tatangelo returning to fullback.

The Tornado's improved passing game - buoyed by Monteleone's improvement, the return of tight end Josh Wachter and the emergence of receiver Luke Renwick - could prove to be vital in Butler's chances against a banged-up North Allegheny defense.

After throwing for just 72 yards and no touchdowns in his first two games, Monteleone has thrown for 415 yards and two scores in his last three contests.

Noah Hartung leads the receiving corps with 11 catches for 114 yards. Wachter has seven catches for 121 in just two games. Alexander has seven catches for 58 yards, and Renwick has five for 52.

"A lot of our improved passing numbers have to do with Nick's improved play," Cathell said. "He's just maturing so much with his on-field leadership and field coaching.

"He's able to check off at the line of scrimmage now and that helps. If someone told me in preseason we'd be throwing 22 to 25 passes a game, that's not where I wanted to go. But it's where we are," he added.

Though they are still looking for their first win, the Tornado remain in the hunt for a playoff berth.

"If we run the table from here on, we can get a playoff game at home," Cathell said. "That's the mindset we have to have. A lot of things are still out there for us.

"I know some of North Allegheny's key people are down. (Running back-linebacker Andrew) McMillen probably isn't going to play, their best lineman is hurt, their best defensive back is out. … That's all part of the game. We've struggled through that. Everybody has," he added.

Besides Alexander and tight end Kevin Kustarz, Butler is healthy. Sophomore linebacker Aaron Dorondo returned to practice this week.

Cathell lists cornerback Adam Zaccari as 50-50 for the NA game.

"I'm hoping to get him out there so he can spell Bobby (Ridley) on defense," the coach said.

Cathell insists his team has been getting better, "but our opponents have been getting better, too.

"Our Achilles heel is still giving up the big play, the long run, the long pass, an interception returned for a touchdown. We had some nice hitting defensively against North Hills and the intensity was there.

"We have to force teams to drive the field on us," the coach added.

Butler's first five opponents - Kiski Area, Hempfield, Upper St. Clair, Shaler and North Hills - are a combined 18-7 this season.

The Tornado's next four opponents - North Allegheny, Bethel Park, Mount Lebanon and Seneca Valley - are a combined 7-13.

BUTLER AT NORTH ALLEGHENY

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7:30 p.m., Friday

Statistic:

Butler quarterback Nick Monteleone has thrown just one interception in the past three games.

Streak:

North Allegheny has scored 42 points against Butler in each of their last two meetings at Newman Stadium.

Strategy:

The Golden Tornado are leaning on the passing game a little more because of Monteleone's development.

Speaking:

"Our kids have not been any different since practice No. 1 this year. They're always on time, they're busting their butts on the practice field, they're hitting the weight room. They want to be here." - Butler coach Garry Cathell