Coach expects inspired play
JACKSON TWP — Friday night's clash with Butler may or may not be the Seneca Valley football team's final game of 2010.
Either way, Raiders coach Don Holl will be looking for inspired play.
The Raiders (2-6, 0-5) will attempt to take home the Butler Eagle Traveling Trophy for the fourth consecutive season.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Art Bernardi Stadium.
"There are a lot of reasons to get excited about playing football," said Holl. "In this case, (Butler) is our rival, we're in the same county and the trophy is on the line. I hope our kids are motivated."
It has not been decided if SV will schedule a 10th game.
Against the Golden Tornado, the Raiders will try to avoid going winless in conference play for the first time since 2006.
Many sophomores and juniors have found their way into SV's starting lineup.
"They are the players that give us the best chance to win," said Holl. "A byproduct of that is the fact that they are getting valuable experience that will help them in the future."
One Raider making plays on a consistent basis is wide receiver Oliver Philogene, who has tallied 10 receptions for 130 yards in the last three games.
He also has proved to be an asset in the ground game, as evidenced by a 19-yard run on a reverse in last week's 35-14 loss to North Hills.
"Oliver has an abundance of talent," said Holl. "He didn't play football as a sophomore, but if we're smart, we'll find ways to get him the football."
The Raiders will be facing a Butler offense that has struggled this season.Tornado quarterback Jordan Lumley did throw for 170 yards and a touchdown in last week's 42-13 loss at Erie McDowell.David Hohn caught four passes for 100 yards, including a 59-yard scoring pass.But on average, the Tornado (0-8, 0-5) are gaining 179 yards of offense per game through eight games.Butler doesn't have a player who has reached 200 yards rushing this season."We'll start by looking at their schemes, seeing who they like to go to out of certain formations," said Holl of his defense's preparation.Though he didn't start a game until Week 5 against North Allegheny, Raiders sophomore quarterback Jordan Brown has thrown for 968 yards with five touchdowns and seven interceptions.The SV-Butler series began in 1977, with the Golden Tornado holding a 15-10 edge.Seneca Valley defeated Butler last year, 35-17.
