BUTLER TWP — With 23 consecutive losses overall and no section wins since 2006, Butler's recent football history doesn't look good.

But that's just what it is — history.

“When we take the field for our first game, we'll be 0-0 just like everybody else,” senior quarterback Zach Rader said. “When we play North Allegheny, we won't be trailing 49-0 during the opening kickoff.

“Everything's new. Everything's fresh. That's our mind-set. Just play hard.”

The Golden Tornado have their third head coach in as many years in Clyde Conti. They also play their first three games at home after opening against the same three teams — New Castle, North Allegheny and Canon McMillan — on the road last year.

Conti has turned around programs at Clarion-Limestone and Slippery Rock during his 38-year tenure as a football coach.

“I feel fortunate to be here,” Conti said. “When you step into a program that hasn't had success, the enthusiasm and energy levels aren't going to be where you want it initially.

“These seniors haven't won since seventh grade, yet they're out here. They haven't given up on the program and that shows a special breed of kid right there. We're certainly not going to give up on them.”

Butler will run a multiple offense out of the wing-T — “an offense I've been running forever,” Conti says — and will have a base 43 defense.

Who's going to be playing where? Who knows?

“We'll be moving guys around quite a bit,” Conti said. “We'll probably still be doing that into the season.”

Jarrod Werth, a cornerback and one of eight captains named by the players and coaches, has full confidence in his new coach.

“Yeah, it's the third coach for we seniors, but coach Conti is doing a great job of communicating things to us,” Werth said. “He's got a tremendous football mind. He knows the game inside and out.

“He brings a lot of juice and energy to the practice field. I know we'll be doing things the right way.”

Rader is also one of the captains.

“We've been out here all summer,” the quarterback said. “We want to change this around.

“All of my goals are team goals. I just want us all to win. I'll do anything I can to make that happen.”

Other team captains are Jakob Como, Trevor Wideman, Demetrius Lockley, Tanner Wahler, Bob Vernick and Chris Huselton. Vernick is the only junior among that group.

“He's a hard worker and a strong leader,” Conti said. “Obviously, the kids feel that way about him.”

Vernick joins Claude Clark and Trevor Monteleone as contenders for the fullback position, “which is like a tailback in my offense,” Conti said.

Rader threw for 137 yards, completing 14 of 33 passes as a part-time starter last season. He led the Tornado in rushing with 193 yards on 49 carries.

Wideman had 176 yards and two touchdowns rushing last season. Only the graduated Cole Baxter (three TDs) scored more.

“We're looking for elite kids to step up and stand out on the offenasive and defensive lines,” Conti said. “That's where it all starts.”

Senior placekicker Colin Williamson looks to give the Tornado offense a boost.

“He's been outstanding,” Conti said. “I think he has a chance to kick beyond high school.”

Butler's goals this fall have nothing to do with the previous few seasons.

“Make the playoffs. That's the target,” Werth said.

Conti agreed.

“Maybe that sounds crazy, given what's gone on here, but if you're not taking aim on the playoffs, you shouldn't be out here,” he said.