Through eight weeks of the high school football season, Mt. Lebanon has left no doubt as to its superiority in the Quad County Conference.

The Blue Devils have overwhelmed Central Catholic (35-14), North Allegheny (51-20) and Canon-McMillan (37-7). All three of those teams are currently in position to make the WPIAL Class 6A playoffs.

Seneca Valley (4-1, 6-2) has already clinched a playoff berth and the Raiders have a chance to knock the Blue Devils (5-0, 8-0) from their perch when they face off at Mt. Lebanon Stadium Friday.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

“What has already happened this year is in the past and we are moving forward,” said Mt. Lebanon coach Bob Palko. “We are well aware of how talented and well-coached Seneca Valley is.”

The Raiders clobbered Baldwin last week, 49-12, and did so without starting quarterback Graham Hancox, who was injured late in a victory over Canon-McMillan the previous week.

Sophomore Sean O'Shea stepped in and had a very impressive debut, throwing three touchdown passes and running for two more.

“You don't know what you're going to get out of a sophomore who's never taken a varsity snap, but Sean was very impressive,” said SV coach Ron Butschle. “He's a competitive, tough kid.”

Hancox's status for Friday's game is still undetermined.

No matter who starts at quarterback for the Raiders, he will be facing a very stout Mt. Lebanon defense.

The Blue Devils, who defeated Norwin last week 35-7, have allowed just eight touchdowns to opposing offenses in eight games.

Palko mentioned nose guard William Harvey and linebackers Tommy Boehner and Jack Smith as leaders of his defense, but said the unit's success is due to a collective effort.

“We try to do the little things and play as good team defense as possible,” he added.

SV wideouts Brandon Ross and Luke Lawson have been steady performers for the Raiders and that trend continued last week. With O'Shea delivering the passes, the duo combined for 10 receptions worth 202 yards and three touchdowns.

For the season, Lawson has caught 39 passes for 566 yards and four touchdowns. Ross has 27 receptions for 492 yards and six scores.

“Luke comes from an athletic family. We expected him to be a really good player for us and that's what he turned out to be,” Butschle said. “Brandon didn't play football last year, but he has matured so much and has become a great leader for us.

“In my opinion, they're the two best receivers in (WPIAL) Class 6A.”

Mt. Lebanon's offense is incredibly balanced. Quarterback Joey Daniels, a three-year starter, has passed for 1,157 yards with 17 touchdowns and just four interceptions.

“It's always nice to have a trigger guy you're comfortable with,” said Palko. “He has a tireless work ethic and understands that his demeanor goes a long way.”

Running back Alex Tecza has rushed for 1,181 yards and scored 14 touchdowns.

“He can do it all,” Palko said of Tecza. “He can run inside, outside, catch the ball and block. He's just a great football player.”

“Most of Mt. Lebanon's guys are two- and three-year starters,” Butschle said. “This is the team they've been waiting for down there.”

Seneca Valley's linebacking corps suffered a big loss when senior Tyler Yurich was injured for the season in the first game against Moon. Butschle said the current starters at linebacker — TJ Border, Wyatt Craver, Chris D'Appalonia and Willem Craver — have all stepped up.