JACKSON TWP — Seneca Valley's football players are much more familiar with the no-huddle spread offense this season, and coach Don Holl is hoping it shows on the field.

The Raiders' first test of 2010 comes Friday when they travel to Norwin.

"As expected, we are light years ahead of where we were at this time last year," said Holl, who installed the offense after taking over the program in March 2009.

"As far as the mechanics for both Donny (Holl, quarterback) and the receivers, everybody is so much more comfortable now with the routes."

Looking to catch passes from Donny Holl will be starting wideouts Jordan Glaser, Mike Martin, Troy Witt and tight end Pat Kulp.

The starting 'X' receiver — on the outside — hasn't been determined.

Jack Graham will start at halfback and, when needed, David Hall will play fullback.

Along with Kulp at tight end, the projected starting offensive line will be Tyler Boozel at left tackle, Kevin Locke at left guard, Seth DeHart at center, Jeff Palmer at right guard and David Miller at right tackle.

The Raiders used recent scrimmages against New Castle, Altoona and Hopewell to work out some kinks.

"We played OK at times," said Coach Holl. "We weren't that sharp, but came up with a few big plays. But we also were not treating it like a game."

Norwin is now being coached by Art Tragesser, who previously mentored teams at Penn-Trafford and Jeannette.

Norwin now runs a single-back set on offense and employs a 50 defense, which uses five defensive linemen.

"The players are learning two new systems, but I'm pleased with the progress we've made," said Tragesser.

Leading the offense is senior quarterback Tim Petro (6-feet-3, 215 pounds), who will start for the second straight season.

In last year's 17-7 victory over the Raiders, Petro completed just six of 12 passes for 44 yards.

But he matured as the season wore on and ended 2009 with 1,093 yards and six touchdowns.

"I was an assistant at Latrobe last season and Tim created a lot of problems for us," said Tragesser. "He can run and throw."

Tragesser is concerned about the challenges SV's offense will pose to a defense that is geared to stop the run.

"We probably won't see the offense Seneca Valley runs again this year," he said. "The no-huddle is very difficult to simulate with your scout team."

This will be the fifth straight year that the Raiders and Knights have opened a season against each other.

SV last defeated Norwin in 2006, 21-17.

Seneca Valley is 21-24-1 all-time in season openers.