JACKSON TWP — With a non-conference game next up on Seneca Valley's schedule, some may see it as a reprieve.

But Raiders' coach Don Holl disagrees.

His team, which began the season with a pair of Northern Eight Conference losses, faces Norwin (2-0) Friday at NexTier Stadium.

“You want to get a win every week,” said Holl. “You don't do this enough times to say, 'This one doesn't matter.'

“Obviously, there are games that count toward your conference record and those that don't. But we prepare for a faceless opponent and want to go out and play well.”

The Raiders suffered a 41-12 defeat at Fox Chapel last Friday. It was junior Corbin Kessler's first start at quarterback in place of senior T.J. Holl, who remains out of the lineup with a right knee injury.

Kessler completed 13-of-19 passes for 183 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions.

“He did some things very well,” said Coach Holl. “A lot of attention is put on the quarterback because he's touching the ball on every play and that is important. But usually when things go well or not so well, the other 10 guys on the field have something to do with it.”

Seneca Valley has turned the ball over nine times in its two games, contributing to the Raiders' first 0-2 start since 2009.

“We are disappointed, but not discouraged because we have a lot of good players and a good coaching staff,” said Holl. “We've made some mistakes. It starts with focus and concentration.”

With victories over Latrobe (16-0) and Hempfield (21-0), Norwin is off to its first 2-0 start since 2009.

After 17 years on the Knights' coaching staff — most recently as defensive coordinator — David Brozeski is in his first season as head coach.

The Knights were 2-7 last year.

“Anytime you win, it helps,” said Brozeski. “I like the way we're competing and finishing in the fourth quarter.”

Nick Amendola is a three-year starter at quarterback for the Knights, but is splitting time with Sean Bowen. The latter completed 6-of-8 pass attempts last week against Hempfield worth 103 yards and two touchdowns.

“We run a multiple offense,” Brozeski said. “We want to make defenses prepare for a lot of different stuff.”

Despite the absence of T.J. Holl and SV's offensive struggles so far, Brozeski knows his defense is in for a battle.

“They have good team speed and Coach Holl makes you defend the entire field,” he said. “He (Kessler) is a really good athlete and is able to contribute to the running game.”