JACKSON TWP — Two years ago, Forrest Barnes was just trying to make an impact. He's now in the middle of making history.

Entering his senior season as a running back for Seneca Valley's football team, Barnes has already shattered the program record for touchdowns scored in a career. He currently has 29. The former standard was 22 by Don Kelly (1995-96).

Within his grasp this season are the school records for career rushing yards (Brian Buerkle, 2,314) and career receptions (Matt Plautz, 111).

Barnes has 1,715 and 69, respectively.

“Anytime you have a guy who can make 10 guys miss and outrun the 11th, that makes him different from a lot of players,” said Raiders' coach Don Holl. “Not a lot of running backs can catch the ball and make things happen the way Forrest can.”

Barnes, who was born in Atlanta and moved with his family to Western Pennsylvania when he was 2, began playing football in sixth grade.

“I was really small when I was younger and my parents didn't let me play football before that,” he said. “I was so excited about playing the second I stepped on the field.”

In ninth grade, Barnes suited up for SV's freshman team. He entered his sophomore season as a backup running back and a special teams player.

“I didn't know what to think,” Barnes said of how much playing team he expected in 2010. “I was just a little sophomore. Our first game against Norwin, I was just hoping to get my name called for making a tackle on special teams.”

But an injury to starting halfback Jack Graham thrust Barnes into the game on offense and he didn't disappoint.

He gained 32 yards on just three carries, including a 14-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that put the Raiders ahead for good in a 40-24 victory.

By the end of the year, Barnes had gained 845 yards of offense and added 10 total touchdowns.

“Toward the end of the season, I started to get more comfortable,” he said.

In 2011, Barnes went from being a threat to being downright scary to opposing defenses, gaining 1,736 yards from scrimmage. He began a pregame routine in which he visualizes scoring touchdowns. He turned fantasy into reality 19 times last season.

But Barnes (5-foot-11, 190 pounds) looks at his play-making ability simply as a way to keep up with his teammates.

“A lot of guys on the team can score anytime they get the ball,” he said. “That motivates me to try and score every time I get the chance.”

Barnes has set the bar high for himself.

“My teammates, we know each other so well that we have nothing but high expectations for each other,” he said.

A great senior season would also boost Barnes' chances of playing Division I college football.

“I've had no offers yet, but I'm looking at Pitt, West Virginia, Akron, Toledo and North Carolina State.”

One of Barnes' teammates who adds to SV's potency on offense is senior quarterback Jordan Brown, who himself has several SV passing records within his reach this season.

Brown took over the starting job five weeks into his sophomore season and has passed for more than 3,400 yards and 25 touchdowns since then.

“He came in as a sophomore and made a lot of big plays for us,” said Barnes. “He's developed into a very accurate passer and has one of the quickest releases.”

“Forrest and I have been playing together since the eighth grade,” said Brown. “There is a bit of a bond there.”

The Raiders did graduate several key skill players from last year's offense, including wide receiver Oliver Philogene, slot receiver Troy Witt and running back David Hall. But with Brown and Barnes leading the way, SV has no plans of letting up.

“We've gotten a lot of experience over the last few years,” Brown said. “With all the work we've put in this summer, we're looking to have a great season.”

Over the last two seasons, Seneca Valley running back Forrest Barnes has put up very impressive numbers. Here's a quick view:<B>2010Rush yards: 534Receiving yards: 285Touchdowns: 10<B>2011 </B>Rush yards: 1,181Receiving yards: 555Touchdowns: 19