If players on the Upper St. Clair football team felt a bit awkward as they walked onto the practice field this week, you certainly couldn't blame them.

The Panthers (6-1, 4-1) lost a battle of conference unbeatens last week to North Hills, 21-17.

This year's seniors were just freshmen and not part of the varsity squad the last time the Panthers lost a regular season game, which came in the season finale of 2002.

"This is the first time our kids have practiced following a loss," said Panthers' coach Jim Render. "I hope they're well aware that they gave away the game and the conference (title) last week. But I hope they don't dwell on it."

Upper St. Clair will look to get back to its winning ways when it travels to Seneca Valley's Raiders Stadium on Friday.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

Upper St. Clair has qualified for the playoffs for the sixth straight season.

What is the common denominator for all that success?

"We're a disciplined team," said Render. "We emphasize defense and special teams first and then look to complement that with a good offense."

That offense is led this season by quarterback Pat McShane.

"Pat's done an excellent job for us this year both as a runner and a passer," said Render.

Running backs Ramy Nubani and Dane Conwell have carried the load from the backfield.

Leaders on the defensive side include McShane, a cornerback whose five interceptions make him one of the most productive defensive backs in the WPIAL, and defensive ends Chris Gilbert and Matt Sakolan.

The Raiders (1-6, 0-5) have seen their playoff hopes crumble for the third consecutive season.

Still, individual players are turning in notable performances.

Ben Edwards is the latest to do so.

In just his second game back from foot surgery, Edwards tallied eight tackles, including two for a loss, to lead an inspired defensive performance despite a 21-13 loss to North Allegheny last week.

The senior linebacker underwent surgery last spring for a bone deformity in his heel.

"It was a 'band-aid' surgery, for lack of a better term," said Raiders' coach Ron Butschle. "That surgery allowed him to come back and play, but he's going to have to have another surgery after the season. And that one will take about eight months to recover from.

"He's playing hurt right now," added Butschle. "He's in a lot of pain."

The Raiders' offense has had a lot of pressure placed upon it this season, as SV has usually been playing from behind.

Quarterback Kevan Smith enters Friday's game with

1,068

yards, six touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Lee Layton is the team's active leading rusher with

243

yards. Senior tailback Pat Prazer (453 yards) was lost for the season with an ACL injury against Mt. Lebanon Sept. 23.

"At times, we've shown signs of being a good offensive team," said Butschle. "But we need to be more consistent. And that is directed at the whole offense and not any one player."

Upper St. Clair won last year's meeting, 42-0.