JACKSON TWP — Two of the best skill position players in the WPIAL return for the Seneca Valley football team in 2008.

But how their supporting cast performs could determine how far the Raiders go.

Head coach Ron Butschle knows he has two proven commodities in quarterback C.J. Brown and wide receiver Matt Plautz, who amassed more than 600 yards and six scores through the air last season.

But the offensive line will be a question mark when SV opens Friday at Norwin.

The Raiders' lone returning starter there is senior Mike DeFilippo, who makes the move from center to left tackle.

The rest of the line could see Chris Calhoun at center, Andy Berkebile at left guard, Jordan Williams at right guard and either Rich Barancho or Marshall Campbell at right tackle.

Freshman Kyle Kalis (6-feet-3, 240 pounds) will add depth to the group.

"I'm concerned only in that I haven't seen them in an actual game," said Butschle of the first-year starters. "But I'm confident they'll do well.

"Most of them saw some time on special teams last year. Once they get that first Friday night under their belt, they should be all right."

Senior halfback Tyler Mack has opened some eyes in camp and is the leading candidate to replace the graduated James Daniels, who totaled 1,267 yards and 19 rushing scores over the last two years.

Other possibilities include Evan Hetzel and David Mellon.

"Hetzel will start at one of the receiver positions and will be '1A' at halfback," Butschle said.

"We have no true fullback," he added. "With us, fullback and tight end are interchangeable. It's like an H-back position."

Luke Mueller, Randy Morris, Cameron Marburger and Andrew Smith all could see time at that position.

Plautz will be joined at wideout by Hetzel and senior Dustin Anewalt, who caught 13 passes for 225 yards and two scores in 2007.

The Raiders will use a multiple scheme on offense, challenging defenses with one-back sets a good portion of the time.

The Raiders return four starters on defense in end DeFilippo, outside linebackers Marburger and Mack and Anewalt at cornerback.

The rest of the unit, like much of the offense, isn't clear.

"We're young on defense, but not totally inexperienced," Butschle said.

Junior Will Hugo, a soccer player, will be the kicker and is working on his punting skills, but Mack will handle punts for the time being.

Erie McDowell is no longer in the Northern Five Conference, though the Raiders will play the Trojans in a nonconference affair in Week 2.

Moving into the conference is Pine-Richland, which makes the move from Class AAA to AAAA.

The Raiders will host the Rams Oct. 17.