The North Allegheny and Seneca Valley football teams are used to squaring off against each other, but not with this much on the line.

The Northern Seven Conference foes will meet at 7:30 p.m. Friday at North Hills’ Martorelli Stadium. At stake is a spot in the WPIAL Quad-A semifinals.

In first-round play last week, SV disposed of Penn Hills 30-13 while North Allegheny defeated Fox Chapel 53-20.

The Raiders are in the district quarterfinals for the sixth time in school history. Their most recent trip was in 2002.

“It’s a blessing to still be alive in the playoffs,” said Raiders’ coach Don Holl. “We’re excited to be playing another game and have the chance to extend our season.”

Seneca Valley (8-2) hosted North Allegheny (10-0) Oct. 1 and dropped a 49-28 decision to the Tigers.

The 28 points is to date the most points given up by NA in a game this season, but the Raiders could not overcome a 28-7 deficit in the second quarter.

Holl believes his team’s chances in the rematch depend heavily on the outcome of third downs.

In October’s game, the Raiders were 0-for-8 on such plays while the Tigers converted on four of their first six third downs to build a three-score lead.

“There’s a strong correlation between first and third down,” said Holl. “If you can keep a team under four yards on first down, that increases your chances of getting off the field on third down.

“For us, that means giving our offense more chances with the ball,” he added.

Since losing to the Tigers, SV has won five straight games.

“Their base stuff seems to be the same on both offense and defense,” said Tigers’ coach Art Walker, Jr. “They’re playing well and appear to be a more confident team.”

SV’s recent opponents have found the path to the end zone littered with hazards.

In last week’s win over Penn Hills, the Raiders’ defense intercepted six passes, totaled five tackles for a loss and surrendered just 140 total yards.

A big reason for the defense’s success is the play of the line, which includes ends David Hall and Matt Edmondson and tackles Matt Koerper and Nick Dahlstrom.

The unit also has received contributions from A.J. Gilmore, Nate Piedimonte and Andrew Pegg, who are part of the rotation of linemen employed by the Raiders.

“People see the yards we’ve given up this year and sometimes, I think our defense is underestimated,” said Holl. “Offensively, we like to score and score fast, which means our defense is on the field a lot more than other team’s defenses.”

In the first game, NA rushed for 346 yards and the team’s ground game is still going strong. The trio of Vinnie Congedo, Nick Passodelis and Alex DeCiantis have combined for 1,548 yards and 29 touchdowns.

“They are predicated on being a run-first team,” Holl said of the Tigers. “If we can get them behind schedule, force them into passing more than they are used to, maybe we can have success against them. But that’s easier said than done.”

Holl is very confident in SV’s kicking game. Sophomore kicker Michael Denny made three field goals in the second quarter last week, bringing his season total to seven.

“The fact that he’s confident, especially at this time of the season, that’s huge,” Holl said.

The Raiders have an advantage in the kicking game. NA junior Jason Buchert has made just one field goal in 2011.

“We haven’t asked him to kick many field goals, he’s basically an extra-point guy,” said Walker. “Hopefully, he’ll come through if we need him Friday.”

Intangibles would have to be on NA’s side. The program is the defending WPIAL and PIAA champion. Since the start of the 2010 season, the Tigers have gone 25-1 in their 26 games.

“I think it’s an advantage for us because the players know what’s at stake and how to prepare,” Walker said. “It’s also helpful when a coaching staff has to go through the preparation during a long playoff run.”

The NA/SV winner will face the Penn-Trafford/Gateway survivor.