BUTLERTWP — Nick Monteleone has become even more valuable to the Butler football team.

Forget the fact he threw for 325 yards and ran for 105 more last week at Bethel Park. Never mind the fact he leads the Golden Tornado in passing and rushing and takes a streak of 24 consecutive 100-yard passing games into Friday's 7 p.m. contest at Erie McDowell (2-2).

Monteleone is Butler's quarterback — its only quarterback.

"Who's our backup?"said Butler coach Garry Cathell, repeating a question. "We don't have one. But we'll develop one within the next couple of days."

No. 2 quarterback Chris Klutinoty is out with a knee injury and No. 3 quarterback Adam Wolfe injured his collarbone during Monday's junior varsity game at McKeesport.

Mason McLaughlin, a sophomore wide receiver, filled in at quarterback for the junior varsity in its win Monday.

"Mason ran some option plays and knew the receivers' routes because he is a receiver,"Cathell said. "He had never taken a snap behind center before, not even in practice."

McLaughlin could be Butler's backup quarterback Friday, though Cathell did not commit to that move. McLaughlin may join Cory Haley on the kick return unit, also, as Michael Bresnahan is out indefinitely with a torn knee ligament.

Senior defensive back Ian Haley has joined the injured list as well, taking a helmet to a knee at Bethel Park. He has a MRIscheduled this week and is definitely out for the McDowell game.

"We're a little thin at corner all of a sudden," Cathell said. "We'll be looking at a few kids there and on the kick return unit this week."

Butler begins conference play Friday against McDowell, though the Trojans aren't officially members of the WPIAL. The result of the McDowell games against Butler, Seneca Valley, Shaler, North Hills and North Allegheny count in the Quad North standings.

"They are serving the role as conference spoiler this year,"Cathell said. "They can cost somebody a playoff spot."

If McDowell finishes fifth in the Quad North standings, four teams from the section will advance to the WPIALplayoffs. If the Trojans finish fourth or higher, only three teams will advance and the top-seeded WPIALClass AAAA team would receive a bye.

McDowell is eligible for playoff qualification only through District 10.

"We've got tapes of all their games and they've got tapes of ours,"Cathell said. "The thing that sticks out at you on film is their size. One tackle is 6-foot-7 and the other is 6-5.

"We'll need to take advantage of our quickness, though our line play has been pretty solid. We threw 49 times last week and Nick was sacked just once and threw one interception. That's pretty good."

Randy Craig, a 270-pound offensive lineman, returns to action for the Tornado this week after missing the Bethel Park game with an injury.

Fullback Ben Ashcraft (215 pounds) and linemen Ryan Miller (195), Joe Titler (210) and Jeff Achezinski (210) have been among outweighed players protecting the quarterback for Butler.

"Those guys have been holding their own,"Cathell said.

Butler is working hard on tackling drills this week after losing 35-29 to Bethel Park despite running off 75 offensive plays.

"We didn't tackle well last week, but our defense has been pretty solid overall and that unit will bounce back,"Cathell said.

Monteleone has 222 yards rushing to lead the Tornado this season. Dan D'Amore has 92 yards on 20 carries. Ashcraft has 83 yards rushing.

"With this offense, Nick is our tailback,"Cathell said. "Out of those 75 plays against Bethel, he took one snap from directly under center."

Monteleone has 789 yards passing. Andy Strutt has 22 receptions for 188 yards, Jordan Roycroft 18 for 259. Tight end Aaron Dorondo has 10 catches for 144.

Butler's defense has accumulated seven quarterback sacks, six interceptions and four fumble recoveries thus far. Regan Young leads the team with 27 tackles, followed by Dan McPherson, Dorondo and Mike Porter with 25, Cory Haley and Adam Zaccari with 24.

"We had a good mental session with the kids Monday,"Cathell said. "It's a five-game season from this point."