JACKSON TWP — The Norwin football team is expected to challenge Central Catholic for the Foothills Conference title in 2007.

Needless to say, it's been a while since this much hype surrounded the Knights entering a season.

But that's what happens when you have four Division I-caliber players on your roster.

Linebackers Mike Salopek and Tyler Urban, who has committed to University of Maryland, wide receiver Mike Shanahan and lineman Brad Rodgers have opened the eyes of top college teams.

But fourth-year coach Dan Conwell knows that pre-season hype doesn't always equal a great season.

"We haven't talked one minute about it," said Conwell, who last season led the Knights to the playoffs for the first time in six years. "We have nothing to show for the (expectations) right now and we're just looking to get better every week."

Norwin will receive its first test of the 2007 season when it travels to Seneca Valley's NexTier Stadium for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff Friday.

Both teams will have new starting quarterbacks: Seneca Valley's C.J. Brown and Norwin's Alex Dennison, both juniors.

No undue pressure will be placed on Brown, who did see limited action as a backup in 2006. But he will be expected to make plays to help keep the offense on the field.

"We want to be able to run our bread and butter," said Raiders coach Ron Butschle. "That means pass the ball when we want to and not when we have to.

"That's been a problem the last few years," Butschle added. "We've had a lot of second- and third-and-longs. It's easy to defend against the passing game when you know it's coming."

Dennison will try to fill the shoes of graduated J.T. Redshaw, who passed for 1,225 yards and 11 touchdowns a season ago.

"He's a good athlete," Conwell said of Dennison. "He just needs game experience, and we're excited to see what he can do Friday night."

The Raiders won last year's contest on the road 21-17 when James Daniels scored three 3-yard touchdowns to lead the win.

Now a senior, Daniels will be counting on his offensive line to keep the running lanes clear.

That group will include tight end Nick Marzock, left tackle Ian Whittaker, left guard Mark Poydence, center Mike DiFillipo, right guard Gary Flavion and right tackle Alex Hart.

"Those same guys have been playing together for most of summer camp," said Butschle. "Norwin's going to be bigger than us up front, but that's going to be the case with most of the games we play this year."

"Seneca Valley is a very fundamental and very well-coached football team," said Conwell. "We'll have our hands full, especially going up there to their place."