SV football seeks playoff spot with green lineup
JACKSON TWP — Little things often amount to something big and for the Seneca Valley football team in 2022, they conspired to keep the Raiders out of the postseason for the first time in five seasons.
A five-game winning streak that reached into mid-October was overshadowed by a pair of losses by a combined four points in Weeks 9 and 10 that prematurely ended the season for SV, despite a roster loaded with talent.
“The lesson that we learned last year is that we have to better handle things that are within our control,” said veteran Raiders coach Ron Butschle. “Things like untimely penalties and little things hurt us in crucial situations.”
The Raiders look to get back to the WPIAL Class 6A playoffs this year, but will need major contributions from players unaccustomed to making big plays on Friday nights.
“We have a lot of new faces, young and inexperienced guys who have waited their turn to play. They’re anxious to get on the field,” Butschle said.
One factor that could help the team reach its goals is that this season’s starting quarterback, senior Sean O’Shea, has valauble experience under his belt.
When Graham Hancox was injured two years ago, O’Shea stepped in as a sophomore and started four games and guided the Raiders to a pair of wins, including a 17-12 triumph over rival North Allegheny.
O’Shea passed for 532 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions. He also tallied 136 yards and scored three times on the ground. With Hancox healthy last year, O’Shea moved to running back and rushed for 194 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
“He’s a mobile quarterback, but has really worked on his passing and has improved in that area quite a bit,” said Butschle. “I have a lot of confidence in him. He proved two years ago that the stage isn’t too big for him.”
O’Shea plans to put his previous play at signal caller to good use.
“Getting thrown in my sophomore year was an awesome learning experience,” he said. “I went up against some really good defenses and that was super important for me.
“I was a mediocre passer, but I’ve gotten a lot of work in with our quarterbacks coach, Steve Campos.”
Another player SV is certain to lean on is running back Kai West. Limited by an ankle sprain a year ago, he rushed for 324 yards and five scores on just 35 carries.
“He can also line up in the slot and has good hands as a receiver,” O’Shea said. “He can play anywhere on the field.”
Butschle said West has “a physical and mental toughness that is hopefully contagious with the other guys.”
Slot receiver Amari Henson grabbed 31 passes worth 291 yards and one score as a junior. He will be joined by inexperienced, yet talented, teammates.
“Luke Challingsworth and Jayden Price will be receivers as well and they all bring different skill sets,” said Butschle. “Amari is explosive and has speed. Jayden was an All-Conference cornerback for us last year, is long and tall. Luke is a great route runner.”
Adam Gehm is a 6-foot-6, 215-pound tight end and Cayden Parker a 6-3, 205-pound H-Back. Both are sophomores.
The line returns full-time starter Roman Royal at right tackle. Center Ryan Och started four games last season. The other three spots will be manned by first-year starters.
The defense returns just three starters — Price at cornerback, West at safety and Och at end. Of the 546 tackles made by SV last year, 451 of them came from players who graduated in June.
Also competing in WPIAL Class 6A will be North Allegheny, Central Catholic, Mt. Lebanon and Canon-McMillan. Four of the five teams qualify for the playoffs.
“We have the talent, but there’s a big difference between a 15 or 16-year-old playing varsity for the first time and a senior who is used to playing under the lights,” said Butschle. “I can tell you that these guys have worked really hard and it’s been enjoyable working with them in practice.”
