JACKSON TWP — What a difference a week makes.

Seven days ago, the Seneca Valley football team was coming off a 37-0 loss to North Allegheny and was preparing for North Hills, another team that traditionally has the Raiders' number.

But after a 21-14 win over the Indians last Friday, SV is right back in the race for one of the Northern Six Conference's four playoff spots.

"It's going to help our confidence, big time," said SV wide receiver Mike Martin after the win. "We're so pumped up and we're going to keep bringing it."

The Raiders (3-3, 1-1) hope to take another step forward when they host Shaler (5-1, 1-1) at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

One aspect of SV's game that was a question mark but played a big role in the team's latest win is the kicking game.

Senior kicker Will Hugo booted field goals from 50 and 42 yards, both surpassing the school's previous record of 40 yards set by Nick Hoover in 2000.

SV coach Don Holl's decision to attempt two long field goals showed he has confidence not only in Hugo, but in long snapper Cameron Zahorchak and holder Chris Dorogy.

"One of our assistant coaches, Larry Wendereusz, he's been working with that group on the little things," said Holl. "They've been getting better and better."

Quarterback Donny Holl has completed 75 of 134 passes for 790 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions, as well as scoring five of the team's six rushing touchdowns.

Linebacker Luke Mueller leads the Raiders' defense with 55 tackles, including 43 solo stops and seven for a loss.

Defensive tackle Andrew Smith has three sacks.

SV's defense will be put to the test this week, with quarterback Tyler Bills, halfback Matt Ramey and halfback-wideout Jesse Della Valle, all seniors, leading a Shaler squad that can score from anywhere on the field

Bills is nearing 1,000 passing yards, Ramey has a 200-yard rushing game to his credit and Della Valle has scored 12 total touchdowns: seven receiving and five rushing.

"Tyler makes things happen for us," said Shaler coach Neil Gordon. "Other kids might have a better arm, some might be taller or have more speed, but Tyler brings confidence and composure to the position.

"Jesse doesn't play center, guard or tackle for us, but we try to stick him all over the field," Gordon added with a laugh. "He's a premier player."

"They present the most balanced attack we will have faced to this point," said Coach Holl. "They can run the ball, play-action, throw the screen, drop back and throw it. You have to be prepared to defend the whole field against them."

The Titans defeated their first five opponents by at least two scores before running into North Allegheny last week, which yielded a 28-17 setback.

"Coach Gordon has been around for a long time," said Coach Holl. "They're going to turn the page on last week pretty quick, and I'm sure they will be ready Friday."

Shaler won last year's meeting, 35-32.