JACKSON TWP - The Seneca Valley football program is coming off its worst season in recent history.

And that's exactly where coach Ron Butschle wants to leave the 2004 campaign - in the past.

"Last year is done," he said. "The 2005 season started the moment these kids walked into the weight room. What happened last year is not on their minds."

That's a good start for a squad coming off a 1-9 season, Butschle's first at Seneca Valley.

Of all the players returning, Kevan Smith has received the most attention by far.

The 6-foot-3, 217 pound senior quarterback verbally committed to attend the University of Pittsburgh earlier this summer.

He did so after wowing college scouts at several camps last spring following an injury-shortened junior campaign.

"I hope Kevan can become the best quarterback I've ever coached," said Butschle.

To do that, Smith must make plays through the air within the Raiders' pro-style offense.

His top target will be senior wideout Zach Duggan, who caught 29 passes for 386 yards and two scores a year ago.

At 5-foot-8, 145 pounds, Duggan might appear to be a downfield threat - until the ball is snapped.

"Pound for pound, Zach is the toughest kid on this football team," said Butschle. "He and Kevan have a brother-like relationship. A lot of times, that translates into good things on the field."

Also expecting to catch passes at the wide receiver position are Ben Mitro, Kevin Mayberry and Dan Stanley.

Finding a ground game to complement the aerial attack is a must.

Carries will be divided among seniors Pat Prazer, Lee Layton, Jake Gress, junior Nate Bradley and sophomore James Daniels.

Of that group, Bradley tallied the most rushing yards last year (214), with 95 of them coming on a scoring run against Fox Chapel that set a team record.

The offensive line, while not set in stone, appears to be coming together with center Andrew Rieder, guards Brandon Fusco and John Russell and tackles Don Barclay and Tim Miles.

Miles, a junior, is the biggest of the group at 6-5, 305 pounds.

As much scoring as the Raiders hope to do on offense, the team's defense must rebound from giving up 31.6 points per game in 2004.

"We've got to stop the run," said Butschle. "That's the key."

Barclay and junior Shawn Eagle both will start at defensive end, book-ending the Raiders' 4-4 scheme.

"We're sticking with the 4-4 this year," Butschle said. "Last year, we changed our philosophy on defense three times and that's not good. We need some consistency."

Seniors Phil Mignanelli and Mike Shipley will be the defensive tackles.

"Our linebacking corps is the area that has improved the most," said Butschle.

That group includes senior Matt Hack, a part-time starter from last season, and Stew Myers, a 6-3, 220-pound junior.

Aaron Palmieri, Sean Gress, Shane Patsilevas, Nick Perri and Layton all will see significant playing time in the Raiders' secondary.

Perri also will be the team's kicker and punter.

Seneca Valley again will compete in the Quad North Conference, won last season by Upper St. Clair.

Other conference opponents include North Allegheny, North Hills, Butler, Mt. Lebanon, Bethel Park and Shaler.

Six out of the eight teams will qualify for the WPIAL playoffs.

"These guys don't won't to go 3-6 and make the playoffs, which is possible in this section," said Butschle. "They want to win football games.

"I think the key is for us to get a win early on in one of the exhibition games (Penn-Trafford, Kiski Area)," Butschle added. "Once these kids get confidence on the playing field, it should be a downhill train from there."

The Raiders will host Penn-Trafford on Friday.