SV visits Penn Hills to open grid season
The 2022 season ended prematurely as far as Seneca Valley and Penn Hills were concerned. The Raiders and Indians, both perennial playoff teams, missed the WPIAL postseason in Class 6A and 5A, respectively.
The road back to the playoffs officially begins Friday when SV visits Yuhas-McGinley Stadium.
The Indians enter the season with more experience than the Raiders, starting at quarterback where the offense is in the hands of senior Julian Dugger, a four-year starter.
Last year, Dugger passed for 1,137 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 476 yards on the ground.
“He brings a lot of leadership and experience and is an extremely talented kid,” Penn Hills coach Charles Morris said. “That helps alleviate some of the flaws we do have.”
Dugger (6-foot-3, 200 pounds) recently made a verbal commitment to play at the University of Pittsburgh. His responsibility in the ground game will be tempered by teammate Amir Key, a senior running back who gained 978 rushing yards and scored 14 touchdowns a year ago.
“Our biggest challenge will be just getting their guys on the ground,” said SV coach Ron Butschle. “They have a big-play type of offense and we need to limit the explosive plays.”
Adding to the strain on SV’s defense, at least early in the season, is the fact that the Raiders return just three starters — Jayden Price at cornerback, Kai West at safety and Ryan Och at end.
Morris lauded the athletic ability of Price, who made 44 tackles and intercepted a pass in 2022.
West’s time on the field last year was cut drastically by injury, but on just 35 carries, he rushed for over 300 yards and five scores as a running back. He will also be a threat in the passing game, which will be led by senior quarterback Sean O’Shea.
O’Shea did not attempt a pass last year, but played well in a relief role during his sophomore year. He is mobile and Butschle has been impressed with his improved skills while throwing the ball.
Amari Henson should prove to be a reliable option for O’Shea early in the season after snagging 31 passes in 2022.
SV’s skill players will be counting on protection by their teammates up front. The group includes Och at center, Landon Davis and Tom Wuycheck at guard, Roman Royal and Austin Michael at tackle. Davis, Wuycheck and Michael will be starting in a varsity game for the first time.
“Wuycheck is a sophomore, but doesn’t play like one,” said Butschle. “Davis was moved from tight end the second day of camp, much like (former star lineman and SV graduate) Lucas Lambert. Michael was a second-teamer last year, but has matured a lot.
“Our biggest concern with the line is in pass protection, but in our scrimmage against Cathedral Prep, we did well. I think these guys are going to continue to get better every week.”
Leaders on the Penn Hills defense include junior linebacker Naytel Mitchell and lineman Carter Lance.
“We’re not going to be anybody’s doormat this year,” Butschle said. “We will compete every week and as long as we do that, anything can happen.”
