JACKSON TWP — If the Seneca Valley football team is to make the WPIAL playoffs for the second straight year, the Raiders must find a winning formula and find it fast.

The Raiders (2-4, 0-3) are mired in a four-game losing streak, with three of those defeats coming to Northern Seven Conference rivals.

Last week, SV's late comeback fell short in a 37-29 home loss to Pine-Richland.

The Raiders must win their final three games to qualify for the postseason. That stretch begins Saturday when the team travels to Shaler for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff.

"Maybe the losing streak is on the kids' minds," said SV coach Don Holl. "There's only so many games. When it comes to making the playoffs, you have to start winning section games at some point."

The Titans surprised many when they traveled to Erie last Friday and knocked off a strong McDowell team, 43-42 in double overtime.

Shaler junior quarterback Ryan Mincher threw three touchdown passes in the game, which included five lead changes.

"I was a bit surprised that Shaler won," said Holl. "That's meant as no disrespect to Shaler. It's just we know how strong of a club McDowell has.

"But Shaler was very opportunistic," added Holl. "They hung around and found a way to get the win."

One player who has emerged as a threat running and receiving for the Raiders is halfback Forrest Barnes.

The 5-foot-9, 170-pound sophomore is averaging more than eight yards every time he touches the ball. He has also scored seven touchdowns — five rushing and two receiving.

Against Pine-Richland, he rushed for 155 yards on 17 carries.

"We thought he'd find his niche," said Holl. "I didn't know that he would be getting most of the carries. He's a little bit ahead of schedule and we have high expectations for him.

"Forrest is getting a lot of compliments from opposing coaches," he added.

Holl is hoping sophomore quarterback Jordan Brown makes strides in his third career start.

Last week, Brown threw for 215 yards and two touchdowns, but he also had four interceptions.

"He wouldn't have thrown those interceptions if I hadn't called those plays," said Holl. "But we're going to give him the package that we believe gives us the best chance to win.

"It's not always easy, but we aren't going to have a vanilla offense."

Shaler is coached by longtime Penn Hills mentor Neil Gordon, who couldn't be reached for comment.

Shaler leads the all-time series 19-11. The Titans won last year's meeting, 33-7