Butler offense taking wing this fall

By John Enrietto
Eagle Sports Editor

BUTLER TWP - Butler's football coaching staff knew its team would be able to throw the ball.
It didn't know it would have to throw the ball.
The air game has become the Golden Tornado's primary source of yardage in 2005 - and has not disappointed.
Butler has two receivers - Andy Strutt and Jordan Roycroft - with more yards gained through the air than tailback Bobby Alexander has on the ground.
"Our intent this year was to run the ball more than throw it," Tornado coach Garry Cathell said. "Our ground game was designed to set up our passing game, but it hasn't worked out that way."
Injuries to offensive linemen Marcus Hough and Randy Craig, along with Alexander and back-up tailback Michael Bresnahan, crippled Butler's running attack.
Bresnahan broke his collarbone in a sophomore game the week before Alexander injured his knee against Shaler.
"Our personnel situation dictated a change," Butler assistant coach Matt Savannah said. "The day after the Shaler game, we decided to take our two-minute package and make it our primary offense.
"North Hills was surprised with it. Then it took off last Friday (against North Allegheny)."
Quarterback Nick Monteleone threw for 140 yards in the first half against a stellar North Hills defense. He then completed 18 of 26 passes for 270 yards against North Allegheny.
Strutt and Roycroft both enjoyed 100-yard receiving games against the Tigers. Strutt has 23 catches for 329 yards on the year while Roycroft has 20 catches for 313 yards.
Alexander's 226 yards rushing lead Butler's ground game.
"It's fun passing the ball this much," Monteleone said. "I don't have one go-to guy, so that makes it even better.
"Whenever I see somebody open, I throw him the ball. All of these guys can catch it."
Tight ends Noah Hartung and Aaron Dorondo have combined for 11 catches and 135 yards. All in all, 10 different players have caught passes for Butler this season.

		Strutt

Leading receiver Strutt wasn't supposed to be a starter this season. He cracked the lineup because projected starter Ian Haley was sidelined with a high ankle sprain. Haley has yet to play this season.
"I knew I could do it if given the opportunity," Strutt said. "It's been good because we have so many receivers, no one gets double-covered.
"The coaches have been working with me on catching balls over the middle and getting hit. They don't like when I drop them."
He hasn't dropped many.
"As much as we throw, dropped passes and quarterback sacks are going to be part of it," Cathell said. "But we've overcome that stuff."
Monteleone has completed 68 of 132 passes - just over 50 percent - for 962 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions. He's been intercepted only once every 26 throws.
Despite being sacked 14 times in the past two weeks, Monteleone rushed for positive yardage 13 times in those games.
"It (pocket presence) just comes with experience," he said. "I'm used to standing back there."
"When we see he's under pressure, we have to run around and get open," Strutt said. "Nick keeps plays alive. As a group, we're always looking to make plays."
While Strutt has been the deep threat, Roycroft has been more of a possession receiver.
"Andy has the speed to get downfield," Roycroft said. "I'm always in single coverage and I always feel like I can get open."
Because Butler is so deep at receiver, the starters work that much harder to stay in those roles.
"I became a starter last year, but that meant nothing this year," Roycroft said. "We have a lot of guys who can play receiver. I was just hoping to keep getting playing time."

		Roycroft

Cory Haley, Matt Saeler and Shane Snyder are other receivers who have made plays so far this season.
"I only remember throwing the ball this much one other time in my career - 1994 at Peters Township," Cathell said. "Brian Kaderle led the WPIAL with 84 catches and our tight end had 30 catches."
Kaderle went on to play college football at Columbia.
Monteleone, Strutt and Roycroft - all juniors - may be headed for college careers as well.
"Most of our offense is coming back next year and it's exciting to think about that," Strutt said. "But this year's not over. We can still get it done."
"It hasn't happened for us, but we know we're close," Monteleone said. "We're not giving up."