JACKSON TWP — The summer months are a time for high school football teams to dream big.

Now the dreaming stops and the play begins.

Seneca Valley's NexTier Stadium will be the site of two teams trying to begin the 2011 campaign on a positive note Friday when the Raiders host Norwin. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

Until now, coaches like SV's Don Holl have been able to grade their team only through practices and scrimmages.

“We looked really good in our first scrimmage against New Castle,” said Holl. “Then, not as good against Hopewell.”

Holl has been pleased with the preparation of his offensive skill players, five of which return as starters.

“When we flip the switch and it's time for practice or to watch film, they've been really focused,” he said. “I'm happy with the chemistry they have. I'm excited about this group.”

Norwin, which finished 5-5 and in the WPIAL playoffs last year, has a new QB for its spread offense in Tom Quealy.

The 5-foot-9, 165-pound senior spent last season catching passes from quarterback Tim Petro, who graduated after throwing for 1,316 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior.

Though he will be playing a different position, Quealy is the Knights' lone returning starter on offense.

“He's a smaller kid, but he's got some quickness, a nice arm and he knows the offense,” said Norwin coach Art Tragesser. “Those are all pluses for him.”

The Knights have had a rough summer camp.

“A lot of our kids have been sick,” Tragesser said. “They have symptoms similar to strep throat.

“We had 20 kids miss last week's scrimmage,” he added. “I'm not sure who will be available to start at some positions Friday. It's unfortunate for us.”

One of Seneca Valley's key losses to graduation last spring was defensive end Steve Swanson, who tallied 10 quarterback sacks in 2010.

“It's going to be tough to replace him,” said Holl. “He made a lot of plays for us.”

Starting on the Raiders' defensive front Friday will be ends David Hall and Matt Edmondson and tackles Matt Koerper and Nick Dahlstrom. Nate Piedimonte will see time as well .

“We may not have one guy put up the numbers that Steve did, but as a group, I believe we can be productive.”

Holl has named his four captains. They include offensive linemen Seth Dehart and Kevin Locke, Hall and running back/slot receiver Troy Witt.

Seneca Valley defeated Norwin last year, 40-24.

The two teams have opened the season against each other every year since 2006.

“Both teams know each other well,” said Holl. “The team that executes better should come out on top.”