No one-trick pony
JACKSON TWP — Much of the attention surrounding the Seneca Valley football team entering the 2012 season is focused on the team's offense.
But the Raiders' defense has players who are just as hungry to make an impact this fall.
“We lost five starters from last year's team, but the younger guys have been playing our system (a mix of a 4-2-5 and a 3-4) the last few years,” said SV coach Don Holl. “So we do have program experience.”
SV graduated its top tackler from 2011 in Joe Duggan (76), but the team's second- and third-leading stoppers return in inside linebacker Carson Kessler (72) and outside linebacker Ryan McCauley (56), respectively.
Causing turnovers played a big part in the Raiders going 8-3 last year and making it to the WPIAL Quad A quarterfinals, the program's best season since 2002.
“We tell the kids that the way you win championships is to play outstanding football in all three phases,” said Holl. “We place a premium on guys who can run around and make plays. On defense, we've got players like that.”
Kessler is one of those. Along with his tackles, he intercepted one pass and recovered three fumbles in 2011.
“Carson saw some playing time his sophomore season and really stepped up as a junior,” Holl said. “He's got a nose for the ball.”
“The defense seems to be flying under the radar, but we've got playmakers on both sides of the ball,” Kessler said.
Other starters back include defensive lineman Nick Dahlstrom, cornerbacks Tyler Bommer (four interceptions) and Zach Bredl and safety Jon Dorogy (39 tackles, two interceptions).
On the offensive line, the Raiders have a solid core of experience returning.
Guard Dean Ketterer, tackles Dan Miller and Dahlstrom and tight end McCauley each played vital roles in SV's offensive explosion last year.
Clayton Hoover will take over at center, while guards Tyler Miller, Zane Augustine and Riley Dillon and tackle Tyler Hudanick will all be counted on to fill holes when needed.
Quarterback Jordan Brown (2,271 passing yards and 503 rushing yards in 2011) and running back Forrest Barnes will lead the offense, but several other skill players will contribute to the Raiders' no-huddle attack.
Dorogy will look to fill the void at slot receiver left by the graduated Troy Witt. As a junior, Dorogy caught 18 passes for 264 yards.
Seneca Valley has never made the playoffs in back-to-back years, a streak this year's team seems primed to break. But the Raiders aren't planning on stopping there.
“We're beyond just hoping to make the playoffs,” said Kessler. “Our ultimate goal is to get to Heinz Field.”
