So far this season, the Seneca Valley defense has been a combination of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Raiders' coach Ron Butschle knows which one has to show up Friday night if his team has any chance of being victorious.

The Raiders (1-2, 0-1) will host the powerful North Hills Indians (2-1, 1-0) in the second Quad North affair for both teams. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Raiders Stadium.

SV shut down Kiski Area's offense in the second half en route to a 26-21 win two weeks ago. Then came the Quad North opener at Bethel Park last Friday.

The Black Hawks' first drive began at the Seneca Valley 26-yard line following a turnover, putting the Raiders on their heels right from the start. They never recovered in a 42-14 defeat.

"The Kiski game was a big lift for this defense," said Butschle. "But then we got brought back down to earth last week. I told the kids that this week, it's going to be a test of their manhood."

Harsh words for a high school football game, but then Butschle knows better than anybody the challenge awaiting his defense.

North Hills trounced Shaler last week by a score of 35-8.

The Indians' offense has several playmakers, but make no mistake about it - the unit revolves around quarterback Ryan Lehmeier.

The senior has rushed for seven scores already this season and has passed for three more.

"We run a multiple-set offense," said North Hills coach Jack McCurry. "We try and get the ball in a lot of kids' hands, but Ryan is certainly the focus of it all.

"He's a three-year starter for us," added McCurry. "He's led us to the playoffs the last two seasons and we expect the same from him this year."

"He's an unbelievable athlete," Butschle said of Lehmeier. "We can't say that we're going to try and stop just him because they have a bunch of guys who can make plays. But we are definitely focused on reasonably containing No. 11.

"The difference between this year and last year's defense is that this year, the kids believe in what they're being taught," said Butschle. "They all want to be out there and I admire that."

The other side of the ball has been more consistent for the Raiders.

Senior tailback Pat Prazer (354 yards and three scores) has established himself as a dependable ground-gainer.

Quarterback Kevan Smith is making plays downfield, and not just to one receiver.

Zach Duggan, Kevin Mayberry and Josh Fusco appear to have formed a solid trio of receivers.

Senior Dan Stanley, who returned last week from a stress fracture in his leg, hopes to make that group a quartet.

"At the beginning of the season, Kevan felt comfortable just throwing to Zach (Duggan)," said Butschle. "But now, he's gaining confidence in the other guys, too."

"Pass defense is not our strength," said McCurry. "We know Smith is going to get his completions and some yards. We just don't want to give up the big play."

North Hills blanked the Raiders last season 42-0. Seneca Valley has lost seven consecutive games to the Indians, last claiming victory with a 31-7 decision in 1997.