BUTLER TWP — Harbor Creek will be looking for an elusive victory when it arrives in Butler this Friday.

The Golden Tornado are seeking a significant one — at the Huskies' expense.

A win over Harbor Creek (1-4) — kickoff slated for 7 p.m. at Art Bernardi Stadium — would put Butler (2-2) above the .500 mark for the first time since Sept. 14, 2012. The Tornado moved to 2-1 that night with a 19-7 win over Pine-Richland.

Clyde Conti coached Butler to its most recent playoff berth that season.

“This has been one of our goals,” Butler coach Eric Christy said of surpassing the .500 mark. “It's something we've talked to the kids about.

“This is an important step and we're hoping to take it.”

While Butler is coming off a 40-20 win over General McLane, generating more than 500 yards in total offense, including over 200 rushing, the Huskies are coming off their fourth straight loss. Oil City scored 14 points in the fourth quarter for a 14-13 victory.

Worse yet, Cameron Williamson — Harbor Creek's rushing leader and top tackler — broke his ankle in the second quarter and is out for the season.

“We've been dealing with injuries and COVID issues all year,” Harbor Creek coach Troy Budziszewski said. “Cameron was an outstanding two-way starter for us.

“His ankle will be in a boot for the next three months. That's the way it's been going for us.”

Harbor Creek was 7-1 last year, losing the District 10 title game to Oil City. The Huskies graduated a number of three-year starters last spring.

“We've got 14 seniors, but they don't have the playing experience seniors normally have,” Budziszewski said.

Williamson had 497 yards rushing and five touchdowns, running for more than 100 yards in three of the Huskies' first four games. Matt Cassidy, a senior, with 328 yards and two TDs rushing, is now the primary ball carrier.

Cassidy scored on a 4-yard run and 80-yard kick return against Oil City last week.

Like Williamson, Cassidy plays linebacker on defense. He has 31 tackles on the year, Williamson 42.

“Matt is normally the slot guy for us, but he moves around wherever we need him,” Budziszewski said.

Harbor Creek has run for 949 yards as a team this season. The Huskies have thrown for only 154 yards and one touchdown.

“We know they like to run it,” Christy said. “But they do have a nice receiver they can go to.”

Gavin Ennis has 10 catches and that single TD for Harbor Creek.

The Huskies' one victory is a season-opening 42-7 win over Franklin. They lost decisions to Warren (26-14), Erie (30-20), Meadville (40-7) and Oil City since.

“Turnovers and penalties have killed us,” Budziszewski said. “We lost four fumbles in four straight ganes at one point.”

Defensively, Harbor Creek has generated only four quarterback sacks and two interceptions all season.

“That could play to our favor,” Christy said. “We're hoping to become even more balanced and contuinue using a lot of kids offensively.

“Yiou never know who's going to come up big for us. That's making us harder to defend.”

Mac Schnur has thrown for 580 yards in the past two games. Lance Slater has 14 catches for 292 yards Ethan Trettel 12 for 259, tight end Chaelie Kreinbucher nine for 138.

That trio is averaging 20.9, 21.6 abnd 15.3 yards per catch, respectively.

“Opponents have been doing a good job of taking Charlie away, but that's opened up things for other guys,” Christy said. “Charlie understands that and he's fine with ut.

“These last two games, things have opened up for Charlie.”

Brock Popovich was Butler's Offensive Lineman of the Week against General McLane. Christy said end Ashton Gray, linebacker JunJun Andrada and safety Slater stood out defensively.

Butler and Harbor Creek are meeting on the football field for the first time.

“I think that's pretty cool,” Budziszewski said. “My dad went to Shaler High School, so I know that area pretty well.

“We've told our kids Butler is down near Pittsburgh, what their school colors are, educating them a little bit. Butler seems to be able to do a lot of different things offensively and they do them all well.

“This will be an interesting game,” he added.