Seneca Valley running back Ethan West cuts into the open field against Butler at NexTier Stadium Friday night. West has emerged as a dual threat for the Raiders this season.

Nine points have kept Seneca Valley from sitting in a very different position in the Quad County Conference standings.

The team's two conference losses were both very winnable games, 10-7 to Central Catholic and 26-20 to Mt. Lebanon.

“We're well aware of how close we were to beating both of those teams,” said SV coach Ron Butschle. “You look at our (overall) record, 2-3, it's not very good. But we believe we're a good football team.”

There may be some who are sleeping on the Raiders (2-3, 2-2), but a win this week will certainly wake them up. SV welcomes undefeated North Allegheny Friday night.

The Raiders' offense had a big game in last week's 55-0 win over Butler, but the Tigers (5-0, 4-0) will bring a stout defense to NexTier Stadium.

Through five games, NA has allowed just 30 points. The Tigers have won four games by no less than 21 points, including last week's 40-14 victory against Mt. Lebanon. The only close game the Tigers have been involved in was an 11-10 decision over Central Catholic.

“We've got a lot of athleticism and speed on defense and our guys are playing very aggressive and physical,” said NA coach Art Walker Jr. “Our defense has been tremendous week in and week out.”

The Raiders will challenge NA with several playmakers. Quarterback Gabe Lawson has thrown for 752 yards and six scores. Running back/receiver Ethan West leads the team with 478 yards from scrimmage and running back Matt Stanger has scored four touchdowns.

“Seneca's big and physical,” said Walker. “They have some Division I linemen and their quarterback returned this year.”

Defensively, the Raiders' rush defense will be a focal point as the Tigers feature senior Percise Colon, who has 619 yards and six scores. He's averaging 8.7 yards per carry.

In two games against the Raiders last year, Colon totaled just eight carries for 46 yards, but will most certainly be featured more Friday.

“He's a speed guy,” said Walker. “We're counting on him to make plays and he's embraced that role. It's something he's been looking forward to.”

Since allowing 231 rushing yards in a loss to McDowell to open the season, SV's run defense has given up just 426 yards on 137 carries. That's an average of 3.1 yards per attempt.

“Our defensive coaches get our kids well-prepared,” said Butschle. “They know what's coming. They do their thinking Monday through Thursday and just go out and play on Friday. Plus, we have some pretty good athletes.”

Five of them reside on SV's defensive line — tackles Alex Johnson, Kevin Meeder and Jim Royal and ends Felipe Junqueira and Josh Miller. The group will have a lot on its plate against the Tigers.

“You watch film on NA, they're very clean and do a lot of trapping,” said Butschle.

Senior Ben Petschke is a two-year starter at quarterback and has thrown for nearly 500 yards and three touchdowns.

“We'd like to throw the ball better and it's something we're working on,” said Walker. “Ben doesn't have knockout stats, but he's playing like a senior and is making smarter decisions with the football.”

The teams split their two meetings last season, with NA winning in the regular season, 10-6, and the Raiders ending the Tigers' season with a 31-14 decision in the district semifinals.

Kickoff is set for 7:05 p.m.