Whether Kiski Area extends its WPIAL football playoff streak to four years is uncertain.

What is certain is that the Cavaliers won't look familiar to Butler when the Golden Tornado head to renovated Davis Field for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff Friday.

Only two starters - left tackle Jason Calorio and left guard Jared Hessom - return on offense for Kiski.

Only three starters - safety Mychal Skinner, cornerbacks Tim Van Horn and Nate Kriger - return on defense.

"Our team definitely has a different look," Kiski coach Dave Grimm said.

The Cavaliers will have a different coach next year as well. Grimm has been with the program 31 years - the last seven as head coach - and retired last spring as a social studies teacher. This is the only year he can coach without losing retirement benefits.

And he wants to go out with a bang.

"I remember coaching with (1974 Butler Area Sports Hall of Fame inductee) Dick Dilts in 1975," Grimm said. "We had a small bunch of kids, but they fought and scrapped their way to the WPIAL semifinals before losing to North Allegheny.

"This could be a situation similar to that. We didn't just lose talent and go to nothing. We still have some talented kids here," he added.

Quarterback Adam Gunn is now at the University of Pittsburgh, along with running backs-linebackers Scott and Chris McKillop. Receivers Greg Hutcherson and Anthony Cellitti have moved on to Bowling Green (Ohio) and Indiana (Pa.), respectively.

Junior quarterback Skinner won a battle for that position over senior Josh Humphrey, who will likely move to another position as a starter.

Danny Hess is a senior tailback and will share time with Kriger, a junior, in the backfield.

"Mychal runs the option very well and is the type of quarterback who can run around and make things happen," Grimm said.

"Josh is more mechanical back there. He has good technique and can run the offense. I'd be comfortable with either one," he added.

Grimm described Hess as "a short kid who lived in the weight room and made himself an athlete. He's a power runner with tremendous acceleration to the hole.

"Nate Kriger is more of a slasher who changes speed and direction well," Grimm added.

Overall, Kiski does not have the speed at the skilled positions it's enjoyed in recent years.

"We'll be more methodical, that's all," Grimm said. "It's just a different setup. You go with the type of talent your kids give you.

"I like the heart these kids have. They're gonna play hard and they're not gonna quit. The biggest thing we're suffering from is inexperience."

At 6-feet-3, 275 pounds, Calorio is drawing Division I college interest as an offensive tackle. Hessom is 240 and three other developing offensive linemen - 265-pound senior Doug Vitale, 320-pound junior Joe Batiz and 260-pound sophomore Jim Woodring - are sizable as well.

Grimm said his line will receive an immediate test in facing Butler.

"Games with Butler are always physical," he said. "What a way to start, playing a big team like this. … I'm impressed with their offensive line.

"They can overpower you up front. Their backs were getting to the hole quickly during their last scrimmage. If they open up running lanes, we could be in trouble.

"Butler would rather run over you, but they were working hard on their passing game during their last scrimmage. (Calvin) Littlejohn and (Tyrell) Sales are gone, but I'm seeing more of a team this year rather than relying on individual players. That's going to make them more dangerous," Grimm added.

BUTLER AT KISKI AREA

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Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Streak:

The Cavaliers have reached the WPIAL playoffs three years in a row.

Statistic:

Four Kiski Area players from last year are with Division 1 football programs this year: Greg Hutcherson at Bowling Green State (Ohio) University, Adam Gunn, Chris McKillop and Scott McKillop at the University of Pittsburgh

Strategy:

With only a portion of the offense installed thus far, the Cavaliers will rely on a basic package and solid execution Friday.

Speaking:

"We don't have much experience, but I like the attitude and ability of our kids. We won't be as explosive offensively, but we'll be more methodical - Kiski Area coach Dave Grimm

Directions to Davis Field:

Take Route 356 South and cross Lobaugh Bridge at Freeport. Continue on Routh 356 South to stoplight at junction of Routes 356 and 66. Turn left at light. Travel approximately half a mile to Y (the Routes 56 and 356 split) and bear left on Route 56 East. Follow Route 56 East, which turns right immediately after Kiski Park Plaza and goes up a grade to divided four-lane. Continue on Route 56 East for approximately two miles. Davis Field is on the right.