Taking ownership
JACKSON TWP — Being part of a high school football rivalry with hardware at stake is new to Dave Vestal.
“When I took the job at Seneca Valley, I came here and saw it (Butler Eagle Quad A Traveling Trophy) sitting on the table,” Vestal said. “I thought it was really neat. I know our kids are hungry to get it back.”
The Butler-Seneca Valley series began in 1977, but it wasn't until the Raiders were in their fourth season in Quad A in 1993 that the trophy was battled for.
The Raiders have taken it home 14 times and Butler on eight occasions. Seneca has defeated the Golden Tornado eight straight times, including last year's 29-22 triumph.
The two Northern Eight Conference foes will square off Friday with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff at NexTier Stadium.
Turnovers have told much of the story this season for both the Raiders (2-2, 2-1) and winless Tornado (0-4, 0-2).
While Seneca has forced at least two turnovers (plus 7 overall) in each contest, Butler has no less than three giveaways in each game and enters Friday at minus-11 in that department. The Tornado had four turnovers in last week's 30-20 home loss to Shaler.
“If you are plus-two in turnovers in any game, you have a 90 percent chance of winning,” said Vestal. “We shoot for no turnovers on offense and always strive to take it away defensively.”
The Raiders' linebackers are part of Vestal's ball-hawking mentality. Corey Laskey starts at middle linebacker in the 4-3 scheme, Greg Bayne at one outside linebacker and Jake Holl and Josh Stebbins split time on the other side.
“None of our linebackers are that big, but they are tough and know how to run to the football,” said Vestal. “Greg Bayne has been a big surprise. He didn't play football as a junior last year, but showed up in August. When I saw him in pads for the first time, I was glad he came back out.”
On the surface, this matchup appears to be a letdown game in waiting for the Raiders. They are coming off a convincing 31-10 conference defeat of North Hills while defending WPIAL champion Pine-Richland looms on the schedule Oct. 9.
Meanwhile, Butler is struggling to turn around a season that could become its 18th straight losing campaign.
“As a coach, you always guard against your team overlooking an opponent,” said Vestal. “You've got to put it on yourself to make sure the practices leading up to the game are high-tempo with energy and effort. Butler has some size and they want to run the football. It's a big rivalry game.”
Offensively, SV senior tight end Cody Boozel has been one of quarterback Jack Cook's favorite targets. He has 12 receptions for 190 yards, three touchdowns and is averaging nearly 16 yards per catch.
Boozel caught a pair of touchdown passes last week. He snagged 13 passes for 196 yards and two scores all of last year.
“He has really good hands and runs nice routes,” Vestal said of Boozel (6-foot-4). “He is able to find the void in a defense and I anticipate him getting better.”
Friday's winner will take the lead in the all-time series, which is currently tied 15-15.
