SV has tough road ahead at NA without QB
JACKSON TWP — There are many things going against the Seneca Valley football team, but Raiders coach Don Holl is urging his team to stay the course.
After a 2-0 start, SV has dropped its last two games, including a 20-6 defeat at McKeesport last Thursday.
The Raiders lost more than just the game. Senior quarterback Donny Holl tore the ACL in his left knee and is done for the season.
Without their offensive leader, the road only gets tougher for the Raiders, who travel south on Route 19 Friday to face rival North Allegheny (4-0, 2-0).
The Tigers, ranked in the top five among Quad A teams in the state, defeated Erie McDowell last week 21-10.
"We have some things working against us, but so what?" said Coach Holl. "I don't want to lose a game before it's even played. There's no reason for us to go into this game believing we can't compete."
The Raiders will send either junior Tyler Mayo (6-feet-0, 155 pounds) or sophomore Jordan Brown (6-1, 145) out to replace the younger Holl.While Mayo saw brief action against McKeesport, Brown took most of the snaps following Donny Holl's injury, completing 6-of-9 passes for 79 yards and a touchdown."Whoever we decide to go with, we don't want him to think he has to go out and win the game for us," Coach Holl said. "The quarterback has to manage the game, take care of the ball and make sure we're lined up right."The Raiders' defense has received solid play from senior defensive end Steve Swanson, who has been the team's most consistent pass rusher through four games."He's got a quick first step and he's as fast as some of the running backs we've faced," said Coach Holl. "But he's also physical enough to play on the line. He's very athletic."NA senior halfback Alex Papson has gained 909 yards and scored 11 touchdowns on just 89 carries. His yards-per-carry average stands at 10.2.A lot of the credit goes to the Tigers' offensive line. The unit returned only two starters: left tackle Justin Haser and right guard Vince Czerniewski."It's been a process, starting with camp and the scrimmages," said NA coach Art Walker, Jr. said. "We've had some injuries, so it's been tough getting the same five guys playing together,."But we're finally getting some continuity," he added.The Tigers beat State College (42-7) and Butler (48-0) to start the season before dismantling a solid Upper St. Clair squad 27-0 in Week 3.Walker said his team is a self-motivated group, but he said he also feels the need to push his players."They are constantly reminded to improve every week," he said. "They understand this is a rivalry game."<B>Notes:</B> The Tigers lead the all-time series 19-7-2. ... SV has lost seven straight to the Tigers, including last year's 37-0 decision. ... Seneca Valley's first football victory came against NA. On Sept. 26, 1964, the Raiders beat the Tigers 6-0.
