Defense mechanism
‘O’ gets looks, but ‘D’ just as vital for SV
By Derek Pyda
Eagle Staff Writer
JACKSON TWP — Seneca Valley’s reputation as a big-play team is not based solely on its dangerous spread offense. The defense has earned its own track record of tide-turning efforts.
During a 9-2 season in 2013, which included a trip to the WPIAL Quad A quarterfinals, the Raiders forced 29 turnovers. With seven starters returning from that unit, head coach Don Holl is expecting more disruptive play.
“We were able to succeed last year as a young team and the defense was a big reason why,” he said. “The kids came up with a lot of game-changing plays for us. (Defensive coordinator) Larry Wendereusz and the coaches on that side of the ball deserve a lot of credit.”
Nose tackle Tyler Hudanick, linebackers Brad Hensler, Mason Dehart and Sam Henson, cornerback Richard Proper and safeties Corbin Kessler and T.J. Holl are all back to man their respective positions.
Among the defensive highlights last year, Hensler tallied five quarterback sacks and 10 other tackles for a loss, Kessler intercepted three passes and recovered four fumbles and Holl picked off four passes.
“Our coaches stress 11 guys to the ball,” said Dehart. “Just like the offense, there’s a lot of guys flying around and making plays.”
The team’s offense returns much experience as well, including receivers Eric Mrkonja (35 catches for 564 yards and six touchdowns last season), Hensler (26-391-2) and Kessler (17-311-0). They will be three downfield options for T.J. Holl, who looks to build on an impressive junior campaign.
Dehart is back at halfback. Last year, he tallied 684 yards from scrimmage (472 rushing, 212 receiving) and found the end zone 10 times.
“We have a lot of different (skill) players we can go to and Mason is one of those guys who, for whatever reason, sometimes gets overlooked by people,” said Coach Holl. “But he’s a darn good player. He runs with speed and power and also catches the ball well.”
Hudanick will start again at left tackle and Brady Moore at right tackle.
“Our returning starters on offense are getting better and better in their roles,” said Coach Holl. “One of the neat things about having them back is that we’re getting better at the process. They know what things are supposed to look like on the field.”
“What I like about our offense is that there’s always a chance for a big play,” said Dehart. “We have a lot of weapons and it’s exciting to see what we can do.”
Chad Izenas will again be the placekicker and will also be the punter.
Holl and his staff are making sure the Raiders are mentally ready to make a run at a fourth straight playoff appearance.
“I’m a big disciple of the idea that you can’t control the end of November in August,” he said. “I don’t want to sound like we don’t have expectations, because we do.
“What we can control is doing the next thing the right way. The players need to be asking themselves, ‘What can I do right now to get better.’ That’s our focus.”
