JACKSON TWP — Don Holl was bound to encounter several big decisions as he prepares for his first season as Seneca Valley's football coach. But none have been bigger than who will be the starting quarterback in the spread offense.

The candidates senior Pete Vicente and junior Donny Holl, the coach's son.

Vicente (6-feet-1, 175 pounds) is the Raiders' top returning receiver in yards, snagging 22 passes for 421 yards and four touchdowns in 2008.

Holl (6-2, 215) gained experience as a part-time quarterback for Erie Cathedral Prep, while also playing defensive end for the Ramblers last season.

"Donny's a little bit bigger and has a strong arm," Coach Holl said. "But Pete can throw the ball well, too. He's very athletic and a little quicker."

If Donny Holl does end up as the starting quarterback, it will give SV a solid pass catching tandem, with Vicente and senior Evan Hetzel, who caught 29 passes last year for 252 yards and three scores.

Hetzel also could see time at halfback, as could junior Jack Graham and sophomore Troy Witt.

"It won't be running back by committee," Holl said. "It will be one of those guys."

Seniors Randy Morris and Justin Bommer are battling to start at fullback.

The group that will make up the offensive line has yet to be determined, though seniors Tom Long (5-10, 225) and Chris Calhoun (6-1, 210) have solidified center and left tackle, respectively.

Holl will look for an improved defensive effort. The unit struggled down the stretch last year, as the Raiders' 3-1 nonconference record was followed by a 1-4 mark in Northern Six action.

"It comes down to fundamentals," said Coach Holl. "Starting with lining up right, you have to run to the ball and tackle."

The front line of the Raiders' 4-4 defensive scheme should include Jeff Palmer (6-1, 262) and Andrew Smith (6-3, 221) at tackle and some combination of Donny Holl, Calhoun and juniors Steve Swanson and Pat Kulp at defensive end.

Senior Luke Mueller, who has seen significant playing time over the last two years, is a leading candidate to play inside linebacker. Morris and senior Nick Marchi also are up for the position.

Seniors Hetzel, Jake Double and Chris Dorogy, and junior Mike Martin are vying for the two cornerback spots.

Safety is up for grabs, as seniors Vicente, David Mellon and Sean Kalnas and juniors Jordan Glaser and Graham have been making their cases for the position.

Senior Will Hugo, who also plays soccer, will again be the team's placekicker and possibly, the punter.

"Will has looked very good kicking the football," said Holl.

The Raiders' conference opponents include North Allegheny, Shaler, Pine-Richland, North Hills and Butler.

"We have a lot of talent and we've got a chance to be very good," said Holl. "Right now, we just want the guys to listen to what we're telling them and play hard."