ROSS TWP — Winning football has been a hit-and-miss proposition for North Hills this season.

The Indians (3-3, 1-1) come to Butler (0-6, 0-2) at 7:30 p.m. Friday facing a probable must-win game if they want to make the WPIAL playoffs.

North Hills ends the regular season against Northern Six powers Shaler and North Allegheny.

"We're an extremely young, inexperienced team," veteran coach Jack McCurry said. "We try to keep things basic. Run the football, play good defense, get field position and, hopefully, punch a couple touchdowns in before the night's over.

"That's worked for us a few games. It hasn't worked for us in others."

McCurry has about 250 wins in 32 seasons. He wasn't on the sidelines the last time Butler defeated North Hills — a 28-20 decision in the 2000 season — because he was hospitalized with kidney stones that day.

The Golden Tornado haven't reached the end zone against the Indians since 2006, a 42-7 loss. North Hills has prevailed by scores of 21-3 and 20-0 the past two years.

"Butler has a lot of good football players. They just can't get them healthy and on the field at the same time," McCurry said. "Injuries have really hurt them this year.

"Their kids are still playing hard for four quarters. We've seen no one letting up on film. They're going to beat somebody and I'm hoping it's not us."

The Indians' defense returns only one starter from last year's 9-2 team that reached the WPIAL quarterfinals: senior linebacker T.J. McElwaine.

Only three starters return on offense: senior slotback Max Creighan, senior tailback Elajah David and senior lineman Matt Linden.

"We're getting better, but it's still a work in progress," McCurry said. "Our quarterback is still learning how to play the position. He hasn't developed his strengths yet."

Junior quarterback Taylor Schmidt, senior fullback Mike Sivak, David and Creighan have combined for 14 rushing touchdowns through six games.

When the Indians throw the ball, which isn't often, senior Scott Zubik is a prime receiver.

"We're throwing maybe 10 passes per game," McCurry said. "We have no standout back, but all of those guys are producing. If we get 40 to 50 yards per game from each, we're being productive."

Besides McElwaine, McCurry said safety Brody Zangaro and end Owen Corcoran have been standouts on defense. North Hills is allowing 12.6 points per game and no opponent has scored more than 21 points against the Indians. Seneca Valley posted a 21-14 triumph over North Hills last week.

While North Hills has been successful against Butler, McCurry said his team won't look past the Tornado.

"No way. In section play, every game is a big game," he said "They take four of six teams to the playoffs and you have five games to avoid being one of the bottom two."