NEW CASTLE — Michael Bongivengo is growing as a quarterback and New Castle High football is growing as a program.

Red Hurricanes coach Frank Bongivengo Jr. hopes to take advantage of both growth spurts this season, beginning with Friday's 7:30 p.m. season opener against Butler at Taggart Stadium.

Butler and New Castle haven't played each other in football since 1999. The last time they tangled at Taggart Stadium, the 'Canes scored a 17-14 win in 1998. The Golden Tornado posted a 6-3 triumph there in 1997.

"This was a huge rivalry back in the 1970s and '80s,"the coach said. "There was always a lot of emotion and a lot of enthusiasm when Butler played New Castle.

"I remember playing for New Castle during those times. New Castle kids hated losing to Butler and Butler kids hated losing to New Castle. We've been working on instilling that same spirit in our kids all week."

New Castle was primarily a running team last year, as quarterback Bongivengo completed only 39 of 74 passes for 512 yards and five touchdowns during the regular season.

But the 'Canes rode that running game to a 6-4 record and the program's first WPIALplayoff appearance in five years.

This year, the elder Bongivengo plans to open up the offense a lot more.

"We'll probably be 50-50 this year, running and throwing," he said. "Michael has become a quarterback who's ready for everything we want to do. We can change things during the course of the game because he's like a coach on the field."

Bongivengo rushed for 525 yards a year ago. Now a senior, he has been New Castle's quarterback since midway through his sophomore year.

The 'Canes return six other starters on offense. Wingback Brandon Burley is a senior and Michael Razzano is back for his senior year at tight end. Keith Keene started at running back as a sophomore last year.

Ta'shan Jones is a senior receiver who had nine catches for 173 yards in 2007.

Three starting offensive linemen return in 240-pound Jared Fleo, 260-pound Dom Cook and 255-pound Vince Pavia. Fleo was an all-conference selection a year ago.

"We lost three starters up front who will be hard to replace,"Coach Bongivengo said. "One is playing at Geneva College now and another is at Mercyhurst."

As is the case with most teams, line play will be critical for New Castle.

"The heart of our team is our skilled players, no question," the coach said. "If we can get these kids the ball with a little space in front of them, they'll make things happen for us. Speed is our biggest asset."

The 'Canes will use multiple fronts defensively and return five starters in defensive back Burley, linebacker Razzano and the three aforementioned linemen.

"I like our defensive line, but we have to replace our linebacking crew,"Bongivengo said. "That's our big question mark."

Junior receiver-cornerback Jajuan Jay will take over kicking duties from a three-year starter who was lost to graduation.

"Jajuan has a ton of untapped ability all over the field. We're excited to see what he can do for us,"Bongivengo said.

The fact Butler did not win a game last year has no bearing on Bongivengo's thoughts on this year's Golden Tornado.

"Last year was last year,"he said. "Now they bring back a bunch of starters, they're hungry and they're physical up front. That coaching staff has some tools to work with.

"Last year is water under the bridge for both teams. It's a new season and we have to be ready."