JACKSON TWP — The key to victory for the Seneca Valley football team is clear.

Stop A.J. Fenton.

But the junior running back for Erie McDowell has proven that bringing him down is easier said than done.

Through six games, Fenton has tallied 845 rushing yards, for a 7.7 yards-per-carry average, and 11 touchdowns.

Though he’s managed four games with at least 100 yards, Fenton’s most impressive performance came last week against, of all teams, conference leader North Allegheny.

Though his team lost 21-7, Fenton rumbled through the Tigers’ defense for 217 yards on just 19 carries.

“Defensively, stopping him has to be our focus,” said Raiders coach Ron Butschle. “He’s a strong runner and we’ve got to be good tacklers.”

Coming off their first conference win since 2002, the Raiders look to make it two in a row when they host the Trojans at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Stopping the run and failing to do so has had a direct effect on the Raiders’ fortunes.

In its three wins against Penn-Trafford, Kiski Area and North Hills, SV gave up an average of just 19 rushing yards per game.

In their three defeats, the Raiders surrendered 245 rushing yards to Norwin, 592 to Baldwin and 178 to North Allegheny.

The Trojans hosted NA last week and proved to be a handful for the Tigers, who led 14-7 at halftime before capping the scoring with a third-quarter touchdown.

“We had two first-half turnovers deep in NA territory that really hurt us,” said McDowell coach Joe Tarasovich. “We fumbled at their 15-yard line and then threw an interception at their 5.”

McDowell (4-2, 1-1) may not throw the ball often, but the Trojans have been efficient when they do.

Senior quarterback Dave Herbe is in his first year as a starter and has thrown for only 316 yards, but has five touchdowns compared to one interception.

“Our offense seems to click better when he’s in there,” Tarasovich said of Herbe. “Not that we throw the ball a whole lot, but he just seems to have that mental toughness.”

McDowell will encounter a completely different breed of quarterback in SV’s C.J. Brown.

The junior is averaging 162 yards passing per game, has eight touchdown passes and has rushed for 221 yards and three scores.

His 29-yard touchdown run against North Hills last week sparked the Raiders (3-3, 1-1) to a 30-18 win.

“He’s one of the best quarterbacks in the WPIAL,” said Butschle. “He’s a big enough threat with his arm and his legs, which makes him very tough to prepare for.”

McDowell won last year’s meeting 20-6.