Change is name of the game at SV
JACKSON TWP — Changes are everywhere for the Seneca Valley football program.
In 2006, the Raiders will don new uniforms and play their home games in newly named NexTier Stadium.
The squad also will be one of five teams playing in a revamped Quad North Conference.
Head coach Ron Butschle is hoping all those changes are reflected in game results.
But for a program that is 2-18 over the last two years and has dropped 20 consecutive conference games, change will not come at the flip of a switch.
And Butschle knows it.
"We've changed everything," he said. "Everything from the way we stretch before practice to how we practice, it's all changed.
"I've never worked a team as hard physically as I've worked this team," added Butschle, who coached Sto-Rox to the WPIAL Class A title game in 2003. "We started the summer with 70-some kids and now we're down to (55). Some kids decided that this wasn't for them. But that's good because I only want players who are mentally tough."
Leading the Raiders offense will be quarterback Ted Pynos, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound senior who hasn't thrown a pass since his sophomore campaign.
"He broke his collarbone last year and was out the entire season," said Butschle. "How effective of a downfield passer he is remains to be seen. If we can run the ball effectively, we should have a good passing game."
The bulk of the running duties will fall to junior tailback James Daniels, who carried the ball only three times for nine yards last year.
"James has good instincts," Butschle said of the 5-10, 194-pound running back. "He's matured a lot from last year. He now looks like a football player."
Juniors Bill Burns and Jeff Scanlon will spell Daniels, while senior Joe Pichette has earned the starting fullback position.
The Raiders have huge shoes to fill at wide receiver.
Zach Duggan, the program's all-time leader in receptions, was lost to graduation.
Senior Kevin Mayberry, who was second on last year's team with 24 catches worth 401 yards and a score, will be counted on to fill the void.
"And he's ready to step up," Butschle said.
Also looking to make plays in the passing game are senior Chris Lewis and junior Aaron Palmieri.
Shawn Eagle, a 6-3, 230-pound senior tight end, returns after his junior season was cut short by a leg injury.SV will have a stalwart up front in left tackle Don Barclay. The 6-5, 290-pound senior already has committed to play at West Virginia University.He will be joined by right tackle Stewart Myers and guards Brandon Anewalt and Ian Whittaker.Center is up for grabs between juniors Alex Hart and Gary Flavion."Both of them have had days in camp when they've outplayed the other," Butschle said. "So we'll see how it works out."The Raiders 4-4 defense will be led up front by tackles Sean Gallagher and Barclay and ends Eagle and Myers."Our defensive line is one of our strong points," added Butschle.Ryan Scheller and Derek Peluso are currently the outside linebackers, though junior Nick Marzock could claim one of those spots if he can recover from a shoulder injury.Scanlon and Mark Poydence will man the inside linebacker spots.The Raiders do return an experienced secondary.Cornerbacks Sean Gress and Palmieri and safety Shaine Patsilevas all are juniors who started last year.Senior Jim Burry also could see time at cornerback.Scheller will be the punter, while sophomore Ryan Zipf will handle the kicking duties.SV's Quad North opponents include Butler, North Allegheny, Shaler, North Hills and associate member Erie McDowell."These kids believe they can make the playoffs, and that all starts with the seniors," said Butschle.The Raiders' first barometer will be Friday at Norwin."We look great in shorts," said Butschle. "But that first game is when we'll find out where we are."
