BUTLER TWP — The assumption is that Pine-Richland will score — and score often.

The Rams (6-0, 5-0) host Butler (2-4, 1-3) for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff Friday. Pine-Richland averages 46 points per game, rolled up 57 in the first half against Seneca Valley last week and scored 62 on Kiski Area three weeks ago.

“Everyone figures the same thing is going to happen to us and our kids take offense to that. And they should,” Butler coach Rob Densmore said. “We won't do anything special defensively against them. We will do what we do and try to make them adjust to us, rather than the other way around.”

The Golden Tornado have been staunch defensively of late. Butler allowed North Allegheny only one offensive touchdown last week and permitted Seneca Valley just one scoring drive of any length the week before.

Butler's defense shut out Shaler three weeks ago.

“Everybody's been playing well on that side of the ball. It's hard to single anyone out,” Densmore said. “Lucas Dubyak has been a constant at linebacker, Eric Hindman's made big plays, Derek Gengler's been solid since he got back in there ... I could go on and on.

“Whether they come at us with a double-tight power I or try to spread us out, we'll stay within our system. The kids know our system. They understand their responsibilities within our system.”

Hindman has four sacks and two fumble recoveries for Butler. Linebacker Jeremy Hanford leads the team with 31 tackles while Dubyak has 25 and safety Reid Werth 21.

The Tornado have 12 takeaways in six games. Werth has two interceptions.

“While our passing game has come along, it's hurt us in giving up turnovers, too,” Densmore said. “We need to protect the football so we can take advantage of what our defense is doing.”

Against Pine-Richland, Butler will need to move the football as well.

Damien Pickett is the main figure there, having rushed for 511 yards and three touchdowns in a little more than four games. Dubyak has 46 carries for 240 yards and two scores.

Pine-Richland's offense is led by senior quarterback Ben DiNucci, a long-time starter putting up incredible numbers. He has completed 91 of 121 passes for 1,538 yards, 20 touchdowns and only two interceptions.

By comparison, Butler's Jamison Smith has thrown for 277 yards, two TDs and eight interceptions.

“They get the ball out of his (DiNucci's) hands quickly and he's got four or five significant weapons to throw to,” Densmore said. “You can't focus on any one guy. That's their strength, having so many weapons to choose from.”

Besides his defense playing well, Densmore will count on his offense to control clock and grind out first downs.

“That's the formula,” he said. “We need to control the clock and time of possession. There's no way we can get into a shootout against that team and stay in the game.

“We don't have the ability they have at the skilled positions. That's not a knock on our guys. It's a compliment to theirs and how good they are.

“Seneca Valley thought they could win a shootout against Pine-Richland and they were mistaken,” Densmore added.

The Rams built a 57-7 halftime lead against the Raiders last week before coasting to a 64-35 victory.

While Densmore — Pine-Richland's defensive coordinator for years before taking the reins at Butler — wishes he has more wins, he does recognize improvement in the program.

“We were in the game against North Allegheny in the fourth quarter last week and that was exciting for our kids,” he said. “It's been years since the mercy clock wasn't running against Butler by that point against that team.

“We're coming. We're definitely coming.”

Pine-Richland leads the all-time series between the teams 5-1, including a 49-19 win last season.