Devil Of A Challenge
Mt. Lebanon football coach Bob Palko has a lot to focus on as he prepares his team to face Seneca Valley.
The Raiders' 1-2 record is not one of them.
“I watched film on them and they could easily be 3-0,” said Palko, in his first year with the Blue Devils (2-1, 2-0) after a long and decorated tenure at West Allegheny. “Once they find their personality, they'll be fine.
“We're the underdogs in this game, believe me.”
The Raiders evened their Quad County Conference mark at 1-1 with a 27-7 win at Canon-McMillan last week and will look to move ahead of the Blue Devils in the standings when the teams clash Friday at Mt. Lebanon Stadium.
SV's ground game came alive for the first time this season against the Big Macs. The Raiders chewed up 177 yards on 33 carries with Matt Stanger (12-76) and Ethan West (12-80) providing most of the production.
“I think it was a combination of better blocking up front and our guys running harder,” said SV coach Ron Butschle.
The starters up front include center Josh Kaltenberger, guards Donny Kreisberg and Kyle McAlpine/Davin Beahm and tackles Kevin Meeder and Jim Royal.
“We're always looking to improve,” said Butschle of his line. “We want to see the guys take steps every week. We have to continue to get better every week if we are to have any chance of getting back to where we were last year.”
Where the Raiders ended up in 2018 was Heinz Field for the WPIAL Class 6A title game. Their 9-4 record included a 17-14 win over Mt. Lebanon at NexTier Stadium in September.
Quarterback Gabe Lawson was a big part of last year's run and he, too, turned in his best game of 2019 last week. He tallied 211 yards through the air and connected with three different targets on scoring passes — West, Marciano McCowan and James Sprentz.
“Mt. Lebanon is a heavy blitzing team and we have to control that with our offensive line,” said Butschle. “Our wide receivers have to be aware of people vacating spots and leaving spaces open.”
Top players on defense for Mt. Lebanon include J.B. Nelson (6-foot-5, 295) on the line, linebackers Jones and Sam Rolfsen and safety Alex Tecza.
The Blue Devils, fresh off a 63-7 defeat of Butler, will force Seneca Valley to defend a balanced offensive attack. Both Joey Daniels and Evan Jones have seen time at quarterback this season, but the former has made more plays, completing 18 of 27 passes for 412 yards and six touchdowns.
Sam Lasota is the top receiving threat with six catches for 218 yards and three scores.
The ground game has a number of contributors. Mason Ventrone, Drew Vaughn and Visawn Pennix have combined to rush for over 500 yards and have scored 10 touchdowns.
“It's been running back by committee for us,” said Palko. “I'm used to that, I like to spread the wealth. I'd rather have a lot of horses in the stable.”
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
