Statistics don't always tell the whole story.

But they certainly spelled doom for the Seneca Valley football team last week.

Despite losing by a modest 20-6 score at McDowell, the Raiders were dominated in the box score.

SV was outrushed 305-43 and had just five first downs to the Trojans 19.

Seneca Valley coach Ron Butschle knows his team must improve to have a shot of winning on Senior Night against Shaler.

Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. Friday at NexTier Stadium.

"We have to do a better job in between the goal lines," said Butschle, whose team surrendered just two touchdowns and two field goals last week, but also gave up big chunks of yards on the ground at crucial points during the game.

The Raiders' run defense will again be under the microscope against a Titans team that loves to run the football.

Senior Jon Fitzpatrick and juniors Mike Francis and Dan Wirkowski have combined for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns this season.

Unlike McDowell, which operates out of a Pro-I formation, Shaler runs a Wing-T.

"We can't have second and shorts on defense," said Butschle, something his defense failed to do for much of last week's game.

When the Titans do decide to go to the air, junior quarterback R.J. Palso has been reliable, throwing for 357 yards and five scores.

"We need to focus and execute on offense," said Shaler coach Jacque DeMatteo. "And we need to make good decisions with the football."

The Titans' offensive numbers may seem modest, but they're also a big reason why the Titans (5-2, 2-1) hold their fate in their own hands.

Shaler is coming off a 35-3 loss to North Allegheny last week, but defeated Butler (21-16) and North Hills (14-8) before that.

The Titans close the regular season Oct. 27 at home against McDowell.

"I'm pleased with the kids' effort this season," said DeMatteo. "It's nice to be able to control things. You can't worry about things out of your control."

What quarterback DeMatteo's defense sees on Friday has yet to be determined.

Sophomore C.J. Brown relieved senior Ted Pynos last week and completed four of 15 passes for 46 yards. His 11-yard strike to Kevin Mayberry late in the first half accounted for the Raiders' only points.

"Both of them are competing to see who starts Friday night," said Butschle. "And I think the competition has been good for both of them.

"Ted has done a good job for us," he added. "But we wanted to see if C.J. could give us a spark. We have to get something going on offense.

"But both quarterbacks should see time in Friday's game."

Wirkowski has intercepted three passes this season for Shaler and will look to add to that total against whoever will be throwing passes for SV.

"Defensively, we've played aggressively this season," said DeMatteo. "And hopefully, we can continue that against Seneca Valley."

One bright spot for the Raiders, who are mired in a three-game losing streak, has been the team's kicking game.

Junior Ryan Scheller is handling the punting and extra-point duties while junior Ryan Zipf kicks field goals.

"Our kicking game has been pretty good," said Butschle. "Scheller has been doing an unbelievable job punting the ball. And both kids are juniors and we hope to have them back next year."

There is no shortage of playoff scenarios for the Raiders. One unconfirmed scenario has the Raiders making the playoffs after losing to Shaler and beating Butler on Oct. 27.

"All I know is that if we win our last two games, that would give us the best chance of getting in," said Butschle. "If we can help it, I'd rather not make the playoffs by going through the back door."