JACKSON TWP — The last time the Seneca Valley football team defeated Shaler it made the WPIAL playoffs.

The Raiders are hoping to turn the clock back to 2002.

Just two weeks ago, it seemed SV was headed for another October swoon after a 43-13 loss to North Allegheny.

But conference victories over North Hills (30-18) and Erie McDowell (27-20) have all but assured the Raiders of a postseason berth.

Still, this week's game, which starts at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Shaler, will serve to indicate how far SV has come.

The two teams are currently tied for second place in the Northern Five Conference with 2-1 records.

Depending on how one looks at it, the Raiders could be catching Shaler (6-1 overall) at just the right time — or at precisely the wrong time.

The Titans suffered their first loss last week, a 27-7 decision at the hands of undefeated North Allegheny.

"Shaler's always a tough game for us," said SV coach Ron Butschle. "They lost to NA last week, but I don't put much stock in that. I don't know if anybody can beat NA right now."

Before that loss, Shaler had outscored its opponents 154-61.

"It's a test for later in life," Shaler coach Jacque DeMatteo said. "Sometimes things don't go your way, but how you respond to it shows your true colors."

The Raiders will rely on an offense that has looked impressive over the last two weeks.

Tailback James Daniels has racked up 182 rushing yards and two total touchdowns in that span.

Quarterback C.J. Brown has completed 27-of-50 passes for 337 yards, four touchdowns and one interception.

The Raiders offensive line has had a lot to do with the unit's recent success. The group consists of center Mike DiFillipo, left guard Ian Whittaker, left tackle Gary Flavion, right guard Mike Rose, right tackle Alex Hart and tight end Nick Marzock.

"They all played some last year, but this is the first year that they've all been together," said Butschle. "We haven't had a whole lot of penalties and they're taking care of business."

How well the Raiders (4-3 overall) fare against Shaler's defense could depend on the availability of junior wideout Matt Plautz, who left last week's game against McDowell after a blow to the head.

Plautz has 34 catches and is 10 receptions short of breaking the team record for catches in a single season of 43, set by Zach Duggan in 2005.

"He's been given several concussion tests and he's passed all of them with flying colors," said Butschle. "But for right now, he's questionable for Friday's game."

For DeMatteo, defending SV's potent offense begins up front.

"Our best coverage for the pass is a good pass rush," he said. "(Brown) has a good arm, but they can also hurt you with the run."

On offense, the Titans have five players with at least 155 yards rushing, but the group's leader is senior Dan Wirkowski with 635 yards and 10 scores.

As a team, Shaler is averaging 230 rushing yards per game.

"Our offensive line feeds off of one another," said DeMatteo. "They understand the game, but we still work on fundamentals. Sometimes, you forget that they're just kids."

Senior quarterback R.J. Palso has passed for 496 yards, four touchdowns and one interception.

Shaler won last year's meeting 35-14.