Blue Devils look for improved play in red zone
The Mt. Lebanon football team is seeing red.
The Blue Devils (1-3, 1-1) have two 7-point losses already this year and head coach Chris Haering points to one area to explain them.
"The red zone," he said. "Getting points down there has been a problem for us this season."
Haering is hoping his team can reverse its fortunes when it takes on Seneca Valley in a Quad North tilt at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Raiders Stadium.
Mt. Lebanon's lone win came in the Quad North opener against North Allegheny (14-13). It suffered a 21-14 defeat to Upper St. Clair last week.
"We need some wins, that's for sure," said Haering.
The Blue Devils rely on senior tailback Jimmy Mullen to spark the offense.
Mullen rushed for 600 yards last year as a backup and has over 400 so far in 2004.
"He gained quite a bit of experience last season," said Haering. "He's having a nice year for us."
Included in Mullen's numbers are 100-yard efforts against McKeesport (111) and North Allegheny (133).
Junior quarterback Nick Till is a first-year starter, replacing star Andy Goff.
"What we expect out of (Till) is to manage the game, not make the big mistake and make sure everybody's where they need to be," said Haering.
Though Seneca Valley (0-4, 0-2) has struggled in each game on both sides of the ball, Haering is preparing his team for a battle.
"(Seneca Valley) is a group of well-coached kids," he said. "They play hard no matter what the score is, we saw that on tape."
Seneca quarterback Marshall Lee has completed 33 of 76 passes for 336 yards, but has yet to throw a touchdown pass compared to six interceptions.
Zach Duggan leads the receiving corps with 12 receptions for 136 yards. Jim Paulin and senior tailback Evan Braithwaite have both grabbed nine passes for 82 and 77 yards, respectively.
The Raiders' running game has been non-existent at times.
Braithwaite leads the team with 154 yards and a 2.7 average.
"Their quarterback (Marshall Lee) throws the ball well and it looks like they've got some receivers who can make some plays," Haering added. "We know they are very capable of scoring."
Seneca Valley coach Ron Butschle could not be reached for comment.
Mt. Lebanon at Seneca Valley
Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Statistic:
The 149 points Seneca Valley have allowed are the most of any Raider team in the first four games of a season.
Streak:
The Raiders have not scored more than 15 points in a game since a 31-14 playoff win over Kiski Area in 2002.
Strategy:
The Blue Devils will count on running back Jimmy Mullen to set a pace for the offense.
Speaking:
"It's just a matter of time before (Seneca Valley) starts to put things together." - Blue Devils' coach Chris Haering
