North Hills stiff test for winless Raiders

By DEREK PYDA Eagle Staff Writer

September 16, 2004 Last Updated: January 06, 2005 12:14 PM High School

Each Friday, the Seneca Valley football team gets a chance to put past mistakes behind it and make improvements on both sides of the ball.

There's just one problem.

Every week, the competition keeps getting better.

The Raiders, coming off a 30-8 loss to Bethel Park to open Quad North play last week, travel south to face an undefeated North Hills team Friday.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

Seneca Valley is coming off an anemic offensive performance last week, just 72 total offensive yards, its lowest output in 10 games.

Included was minus three yards on the ground.

"Our offensive line has to stay on its blocks a bit longer," said Raiders' coach Ron Butschle. "And a key for us will be to get the passing game going so (North Hills) is forced to take a few guys out of the box."

The Raiders offensive line will consist of center Phil Mignanelli, guards Mike Bianco and Brandon Fusco and tackles Don Barclay and Andrew Reider.

Junior wide receiver Zach Duggan has been the Raiders' lone big-play threat with 11 catches for 129 yards.

"They've got some good skill kids," North Hills coach Jack McCurry said of the Raiders. "They've shown some ability to throw the ball and will probably come out and try to establish that part of their game."

The Indians' defense is spearheaded by linebackers Mike Neugebauer and Jordan LeViere.

Offensive struggles aren't the only concern for Butschle.

He's watched his defense surrender an average of 225 yards rushing in the first three contests. And North Hills likes to run the football.

In a 27-7 thumping of Shaler last week, the Indians received 100-yard rushing performances from quarterback Ryan Lehmeier (141) and running back Connor Corcoran (110).

"Connor is a big kid and a straight ahead runner," said McCurry. "And Ryan was our starting quarterback last season when we made it to the (WPIAL) final four. He was a big part of that and continues to gain more confidence."

Lehmeier can also make plays with his arm. He's thrown two touchdown passes in each of the first three games.

"He's dangerous whether he's throwing or running," said Butschle. "On passing plays, he's able to recognize when something isn't there and runs with the ball.

"He's only one guy on their offense," Butschle added. "But containing him is definitely a concern for us."

The Raiders will try to avoid beginning a season with four consecutive losses for the second straight year.

"We've had some good practices this week," said Butschle. "The effort is there from our players, but we just need to become more consistent.

"Right now we're fighting an uphill battle."