For the second time in four weeks, Seneca Valley's football team will be facing an elite offense.

This time, the Raiders want to come away with more than a consolation prize.

In a game at North Allegheny Sept. 28, SV's defense forced four turnovers and held a potent Tigers attack in check, but the Raiders lost 10-6.

SV is now preparing to face Pine-Richland, the defending state champion which is averaging 40 points per game, in a Quad County Conference contest Friday that will have playoff implications for both teams.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Pine-Richland's Santacroce Stadium.

While the Rams (7-1, 6-0) have hopes of winning a conference title, the Raiders (6-2, 4-2) still have an opportunity to place second and get a first-round bye in the upcoming WPIAL playoffs.

SV enters the game having given up just 57 points all season, an average of just over seven points per game.

“Our kids on defense feel confident that they can keep teams out of the end zone,” said SV coach Ron Butschle. “They've done it all year and there's no reason they can't continue to do it.”

Linebacker/defensive end Saige Ley has been a stalwart for SV's defense this season. The senior has proved adept at rushing the passer, in pass defense and also at stopping the run.

To continue their dominance, the Raiders will have to contain Rams' senior running back Luke Meckler, who has 688 rushing yards on the season, an eye-popping 9.2 yards per carry and 15 touchdowns.

“They have some big guys up front opening up holes for him,” said Butschle. “They have a scheme that spreads you out and takes defensive guys out of the box.”

“Luke began starting for us at safety his freshman year,” said Rams' coach Eric Kasperowicz, who watched his team overwhelm Mt. Lebanon last week, 42-24. “He saw spot duty on offense last season and is now a starter on that side of the ball. He's a speed guy.”

Pine-Richland had big shoes to fill at quarterback after the graduation of Phil Jurkovec, who is now at Notre Dame, but sophomore Cole Spencer has performed admirably. The latter has passed for 1,045 yards with eight touchdowns and just three interceptions.

“He's done an awesome job and he's an awesome kid,” said Kasperowicz. “He has made mistakes, but he's learned from them.

“Seneca Valley doesn't wow you with anything they do defensively,” he added. “They just do everything well. They do what they are coached to do.”

Seneca Valley received a career-high 126 rushing yards from junior running back Matt Stanger in last week's 24-7 win over Woodland Hills.

The Raiders' offensive line welcomed back Josh Kaltenberger last week. He started the season at center before getting injured and was replaced by capable Donny Kreisberg, a sophomore. Kaltenberger did not start against Woodland Hills, but was worked in during the game. He is expected to start Friday.

The rest of the Raiders' front includes guards Drew Robertson and David Tkatch, tackles Marcus Might and Kevin Meeder and tight end Jake Stebbins.

Pine-Richland's defense is led by Tyler King and Anthony Cerminara, both linebackers who returned as starters this season.