Raiders on mission in '10
JACKSON TWP — In its 46-year history, the Seneca Valley football program has never made the WPIAL playoffs in back-to-back seasons.
Second-year head coach Don Holl's message to his team is clear.
"We want to close the gap between us and, not only the better teams in our section, but the better teams in all the WPIAL," he said. "It's a tough task, but when four of the seven teams in the conference make the playoffs, just getting there should be the minimum."
Last year, the Raiders went 3-2 in Northern Six Conference play and made the playoffs before losing to Central Catholic in the first round.
SV will once again run a spread offense, with senior Donny Holl starting at quarterback for the second straight year.
Coach Holl is hoping for a more consistent ground game in 2010. Last year, Donny Holl led the team in rushing with 331 yards and nine touchdowns.
Halfbacks Jack Graham (60 carries for 295 yards and one touchdown) and Troy Witt (47-238-1) both displayed flashes of big-play ability.
Graham battled an injured left ankle for much of the season and Witt, who was used in multiple roles in 2009, broke his clavicle in the playoffs.
"He's fine now," Coach Holl said of Witt. "Troy will see time in the backfield this year, but will also line up in the slot. Jack will get a lot of carries."
Which is fine with Graham, a senior who missed several games in 2009.
"Last year, it was pretty frustrating," he said. "I wanted to be out there with my teammates. My ankle started to feel a bit better by the end of the season, but it still wasn't 100 percent."
SV's top returning wide receiver is senior Jordan Glaser (12-190-2). Also hoping to make plays from that position include Mike Martin (11-86-1), Oliver Philogene and Forrest Barnes.
SV returns three starting linemen: left tackle Tyler Boozel (6-feet-2, 210 pounds), right guard Jeff Palmer (6-2, 267) and left guard Pat Kulp (6-2, 223), who will move to tight end.
"If you can't block anybody, it doesn't matter what you're trying to do," said Coach Holl. "Last year, we were very raw and inexperienced at certain spots on the line. We feel we've got a sturdy group this year."
The Raiders' 4-2-5 defense returns four starters: Martin at cornerback, Palmer at tackle, Steve Swanson at defensive end and Kulp, who will switch from end to linebacker.
"We're focusing on not giving up the big play and getting our defense off the field on third down," said Coach Holl.
Senior Aaron Tanda will take over for the graduated Will Hugo at kicker and is a strong candidate to handle the punting duties as well.
Along with Erie McDowell, which the Northern Six has added in 2010, SV's conference foes are North Hills, North Allegheny, Pine-Richland, Butler and Shaler.
The Raiders open the season Friday at Norwin.
