VANDERGRIFT — Neither coach is quite sure who the other will play when Butler and Kiski Area open their respective 2021 football seasons Friday night in Vandergrift.

But the coaches know each other.

Cavaliers coach Sam Albert was head coach at Butler from 1994-96. Current Golden Tornado coach Eric Christy was a student in the district then.

“I remember Coach Albert working with me when I was in eighth and ninth grade,” Christy said. “I learned a lot from him.

“We're still friends today. We exchange texts, wishing each other luck during the season.”

Albert said Christy was one of his ballboys on the sidelines when he was coaching the Tornado.

“Eric is doing a heckuva job there right now,” Albert said. “He's got their numbers back up and he's building that program back up.

“We're going to have our hands full Friday. I'm scared to death of the talent they have.”

Both teams are coming off 2-4 seasons. Both teams have plenty of starters coming back.

Kiski has a 6-3 edge in the all-time series between the teams, though they have not met since 2007. The Cavaliers defeated Butler 31-0 in the season opener that year in Jeff McAnallen's first game as Butler head coach.

“We're still trying to figure some things out,” Albert said of his team, which scrimmaged Penn-Trafford over the weekend. “We play multiple quarterbacks and rotate a lot of different backs in.

“I'd say speed is one of our strengths. We run to the ball pretty well.”

Anchoring the Cavaliers defensively are a pair of fourth-year starting linebackers. Brayden Dunmire had 40 tackles in 2020 and returns to control the middle. Brock Wilkins had 38 tackles a year ago from his outside linebacker position.

LeBryn Smith, a 6-foot-2 fleet-footed junior, and senior Adam Johnson return at quarterback. They split time at the position last year and will likely do so again.

Johnson threw for 506 yards and six touchdowns, Smith 337 yards and four scores last season. The duo combined to throw only one interception.

“Both of those guys are explosive and can run around,” Christy said. “We have to find a way to contain them.”

Their favorite target is 6-3 senior receiver Calvin Heinle, who caught 23 passes for 512 yards and eight touchdowns in 2020.

Kiski is strong in the kicking game as well. Senior kicker-punter Cody Dykes is a two-time all-conference player.

Butler is dealing with an injury up front to returning right tackle Brock Popovich. If he can't play Friday, senior Jake Ritzert may get the nod.

Junior center Markeis Frazier recently returned from injury as well.

“This game will be an excellent test for our line,” Christy said. “Kiski has size and plenty of athleticism. We're going to see where we're at.”

The Tornado scrimmaged Blackhawk over the weekend.

“I was happy with our effort on the field and thought things went well,” Christy said. “Then we saw the film and we do have to fix some things.

“Our starting lineup is uncertain. Guys still have until Thursday to show what they can do. I like competition for playing time. Players tend to get too comfortable when they know they're certain to start.”

Cooper Baxter and Mac Schnur will both see time at quarterback for Butler. How much is unknown.

“That will depend on situations in the game and how the game is going,” Christy said. “Both will be in the backfield at the same time.”

Isaiah Kelly is Butler's most experienced running back returning, though a few players could see action there.

Senior tight end Charlie Kreinbucher (14 catches for 214 yards last year) and receiver Lance Slater (9 catches-99 yards) are the Tornado's top receiving threats.

“That's a talented team they're bringing down here,” Albert said of Butler.

“Sam Albert is an intense coach and he'll have his guys ready to go,” Christy said. “We need to match that intensity and desire.

“I think we'll do that. I love the feel of our team right now. Our seniors believe now is the time for this program to win again.”