Seneca Valley's new batch of receivers may be green, but that belies their potential.

The group will get its first test under the lights Friday when the Raiders open the season in Erie against McDowell.

The Raiders will often line up in a four-wide set, which will include Connor Lyczek, Nic Cook, Mehki Gay and James Sprentz. Ethan West could also see passes coming his way.

All five players combined for just four receptions last year.

“They've been making rookie mistakes, but that's to be expected,” said Raiders' coach Ron Butschle. “They're very athletic, have been working all summer and have been impressive in running their routes.”

Senior quarterback Gabe Lawson, who has started since his sophomore season, brings experience to the passing game. Matt Stanger, another senior, returns after leading the team in rushing a year ago when he approached 600 yards.

McDowell's defense struggled in 2018, including in a 30-6 loss to SV at NexTier Stadium.

Danny Blue, a transfer from Erie High, should bolster the Trojan defense at outside linebacker and safety.

“Danny is an incredible athlete,” replied McDowell coach Brad Orlando in an emailed interview. “He has a great work ethic and is one of the smartest players I have coached in 21 years.”

Blue will also contribute on offense as a running back. He averaged 9.2 yards and scored nine touchdowns on just 98 carries last year.

The Trojans should sport a balanced attack, thanks to junior quarterback Chris Juchno, who tallied over 1,500 yards and 16 touchdowns as a sophomore.

“The way he was able to digest and understand our offense as a sophomore was very impressive,” related Orlando. “It speaks to his commitment to our team and program. I expect him to lead our offense and have complete understanding of what we are doing.”

McDowell also returns its top receiver in senior Michael Beneski, a former Seneca Valley player who moved to Erie after his sophomore year. Five of his 40 receptions went for touchdowns in 2018.

Butschle expects a stiffer test than his team encountered last year.

“They have an experienced offense,” he said. “Blue (6-2, 205) is big and physical. It's going to be a challenge for us.”

Leaders of SV's defense include linebacker Evan Smith and safety Conor Hayes. Both starred in the Raiders' run to the WPIAL championship game last fall.

The Raiders recently scrimmaged Peters Township.

“We got our first team in and out quickly,” said Butschle. “Like all scrimmages, there were some good things and some things I just had to shake my head at. But we got out of it healthy and that's good.”