Every one of McKeesport’s opponents knows what is coming, but except for Penn-Trafford, no team has been able to stop it.

McKeesport relies almost exclusively on the run and has chewed up 3,357 rushing yards in nine games this season. The Tigers have completed just eight passes all year out of their flexbone offense.

The Tigers (8-1) were “held” to 194 yards on the ground in a 21-7 loss to eventual Foothills Conference champion Penn-Trafford Sept. 18. In every other game, the Tigers have scored at least 42 points. They have reached 60 points three times, including last week’s 62-0 drubbing of Kiski Area.

Seneca Valley coach Dave Vestal understands the challenge awaiting his team when it tangles with McKeesport in a WPIAL Class AAAA first-round playoff at the Tigers’ Weigle-Schaeffer Stadium Friday night.

“It’s not like they’re just running the scheme, they are very physical and are a high-scoring offense,” he said. “We know what we are getting and have to play great assignment football.”

The Raiders’ defense certainly is entering the playoffs on a high after consecutive shutouts of Penn Hills (23-0) and Shaler (27-0).

Though McKeesport has plenty of playmakers on both sides of the ball, senior running back/safety Khaleke Hudson stands out. He has rushed for 996 yards and 16 touchdowns on just 95 carries. Defensively, he has intercepted three passes and recovered five fumbles.

Mark Cromerdie (576 yards and 10 touchdowns), Tymar Sutton (402-7), Jahsai Allen (382-5) and Jayvaun Shears (333-4) add explosive depth to the Tigers’ ground attack.

SV (5-4) has to sustain drives to keep McKeesport’s offense off the field. To do that, offensive linemen Zach Wilson, Jake Rocco, Shane Stadtfeld, Eric Hudanick and Evan Schillero will have to win in the trenches. That would give quarterback Jack Cook, running back Hank Royal and the team’s downfield threats the chance to display their own big-play capabilities.

“They have been playing really well,” said Vestal of his offensive line. “They aren’t the biggest guys, but are on schedule and functioning well as a unit. We have to finish drives. When we get an opportunity to make a big play, we have to make it.”

Opposing defenses are so focused on McKeesport’s running game that when the Tigers do pass the ball, it often ends in a big gain.

The team’s eight completions have gone for 299 yards and five touchdowns.

“It’s when you are not where you need to be defensively that big plays happen,” said Vestal. “We need to get off blocks and tackle well in space. But they have so many athletes, we can’t hang our heads if they make a big play.”

Longtime McKeesport coach George Smith could not be reached for comment.