JACKSON TWP — They are the unsung heroes of big offensive plays and when they do experience a breakdown, the result is clear for everyone to see.

Such is the life of offensive linemen at every level of football.

Seneca Valley entered this season with two returning starters on its front — junior Tyler Hudanick and senior Dan Miller, though both of them switched positions this year, now at left tackle and right tackle, respectively. The line has experienced its share of growing pains, but Raiders’ coach Don Holl appreciates what it has contributed to his team’s 5-1 start.

While several positions feature a rotation of players, the other current starters are Brandan Clough at tight end, Steven Gaviglia at right guard, Tyler Miller at center and Jason Mack at left guard.

“At times, our inexperience has shown,” said Holl, who also serves as SV’s offensive line coach, “but the kids believe in what we’re doing and the effort and dedication is there. We’re working on the little things now, things like the angle of a step and the timing of blocks.”

Holl will be looking for a strong performance from his line Friday night when the Raiders host North Hills in a Northern Eight Conference matchup at NexTier Stadium.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

The Indians (4-2, 3-1) survived a scare at Fox Chapel last Friday, scoring a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns to defeat the Foxes 21-17.

“We’re in a position where we can make something happen here down the stretch,” said North Hills coach Pat Carey. “But we have three tough conference games left (SV, Pine-Richland and North Allegheny).”

Junior quarterback Kindhal Taylor rushed for 121 yards, including a 20-yard touchdown run, to lead North Hills. Sophomore Shawndale Jones, who also plays wide receiver, threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Corey Bopp.

Carey knows his offense will face a staunch defense in the Raiders.

“Their front is very aggressive,” he said. “(Linebacker Tucker Van Dyke) stands out on film and their safeties are active. I’m impressed with their defense.

“We want to establish the run early,” he added. “We need to keep the ball away from Seneca’s offense as much as we can.”

The Indians are in their first year under the direction of Carey, who spent nearly two decades on the staff of legendary head coach Jack McCurry.

“I’ve known Pat for a long time,” said Holl. “He’s really a good guy and I’m excited that he got the chance to be a head coach. You look at North Hills and the team is a reflection of him. They are well-coached, disciplined and do some challenging things from an Xs and Os standpoint.

“It’s good to be able to turn to a guy who has so much experience within the program,” he added.

North Hills leads the all-time series with the Raiders 24-9-2, but Seneca Valley has won three of the four meetings since Holl took over in 2009, including a 40-26 triumph last season.