Front and center
Like the Seneca Valley football team as a whole, the Raiders' offensive line has not been immune to adversity this season.
But the unit remained focused, stayed the course and is a big reason why the team will be playing for a WPIAL title against Central Catholic Friday night at Heinz Field.
In August, an injury to projected starting left guard Jake Rocco ended the senior's season before it began. Four weeks into the campaign, starting right guard Shane Stadtfeld suffered a season-ending injury of his own.
Nolan Nagy and Drew Robertson, respectively, filled in for their fallen teammates. After some growing pains, the line has become a strength for the Raiders (8-3).
Only two starters from a year ago — center Evan Schillero and left tackle Eric Hudanick — are included in the group. Jake Warner is the other starter at right tackle.
“It's a tribute to all the work the guys put in during the offseason,” said SV offensive line coach E.G. Sipp. “It's a very coachable group and they work well together.”
The Raiders enter Friday's title game riding a four-game winning streak. The line's improved play during that stretch has mirrored that of the entire offense.
In its two playoff wins — against Mt. Lebanon (49-43) and North Allegheny (28-27) — SV has totaled 866 offensive yards and 11 touchdowns.
“We're staying on our blocks better. I really think we are playing our best football right now,” said Schillero.
Part of that is the front's ability to perform at a high level within an offense that often operates under a no-huddle, hurry-up approach.
“Every week, we practice with going no-huddle,” Schillero said, “but we can still slow things down during a game if we need to.”
“We have some leaders on the line and that has helped,” SV head coach Dave Vestal said of Schillero and Hudanick, the latter being one of the team's captains. “There's a lot of confidence and chemistry up front for us.”
The cohesion formed along SV's line has played an important role in the team being just as effective on the ground as it is through the air. Quarterback Jack Cook is approaching 2,000 yards passing and has added over 600 yards rushing. Halfback Hank Royal is averaging 112 yards per game on the ground.
“You can try and do whatever you want behind the line, but if you're not good up front, you are going to struggle to move the ball,” said Vestal.
Blocking for such a mobile quarterback can be challenging, but Hudanick and Co. rely on a simple rule.
“We're taught to block whistle to whistle,” he said. “That way, we know we're staying on our guy as long as we have to.”
SV's upcoming task will be a very difficult one. The Raiders need vastly-improved play from a 42-14 loss to Central Catholic Sept. 23 when Seneca was held to less than three yards per carry (30-86) and did not score until the fourth quarter.
“We need to read our keys better and come off the ball faster,” said Warner.
Whatever the outcome in the rematch, the journey to the WPIAL championship game will stick with Hudanick and his teammates.
“To know that we'll be playing at Heinz Field, it's an unreal feeling,” he said.
