Seneca Valley quarterback Kevan Smith was going up against more than just the Penn-Trafford defense last week.

"I think he looked at it as him against their quarterback (Tyler Huether)," said Raiders coach Ron Butschle. "He felt a lot of pressure entering that game."

Smith completed 13 of 27 passes for 144 yards in his team's 38-13 loss, and several of the incompletions were overthrows.

"He didn't play badly, but I feel once he relaxes he will perform better," said Butschle.

Smith will get a chance to take that next step in his progression as the Raiders quarterback at 7:30 p.m. Friday when Seneca Valley hosts Kiski Area.

Like the Raiders, Kiski Area is coming off an opening week defeat - a 24-14 loss at Butler.

In that game, Butler quarterback Nick Monteleone passed for 126 yards and two scores while tailback Bobby Alexander managed 82 yards on the ground.

Seneca Valley's senior tailback Pat Prazer will look to exploit the Cavaliers' defense after gaining 129 rushing yards last week.

The Raiders' offensive line of center Andrew Rieder, guards Brandon Fusco and John Russell, tackles Don Barclay and Pat Jones and tight end Shawn Eagle will have a say in that

The group also kept Penn-Trafford's pass rush from affecting most of Smith's throws.

"Our offensive line did well last week," said Butschle. "Right now it is one of our strengths."

As expected, Zach Duggan led the Raiders' receiving corps last week with six catches worth 75 yards. He left the game in the second half after being on the wrong end of a hard hit.

"He took a good shot, and he had a headache the next day," said Butschle. "We've kept him out of contact drills in practice this week, but he'll be ready to go Friday."

Duggan could make history if he does suit up. He currently is eight receptions shy of breaking Seneca Valley's all-time career receptions mark. He enters the game with 44 catches. Bob Britt tallied 51 catches from 1969-71.

"Seneca Valley is a team that's going to look to throw the ball first," said Kiski Area coach Chris Heater. "They're going to try and get the ball to Duggan.

"But the fact that they ran the ball well last week, that's only going to help their cause."

On defense, the Raiders will key on two players: senior running back Nate Kriger and senior quarterback Mychal Skinner.

Kriger gained 76 yards on 17 carries and scored both of his team's touchdowns last week.

Skinner was contained by Butler's defense. He totaled just 36 yards rushing and 56 passing.

"Mychal is a good athlete, and we expect him to come up with a couple of big plays every half," said Heater. "A lot is resting on his shoulders."

"Last week, we went up against a precision passer," said Butschle. "This week, our opponent has a quarterback who can create things outside the pocket."

Kiski Area handed the Raiders a 35-3 loss last year.