Seneca Valley Football Faces Transitional Year with Inexperienced Squad
As the high school football season approaches, Seneca Valley Football is gearing up for what could be a transitional year. After a disappointing 2021 season with missed opportunities, the Raiders are facing the challenge of rebuilding with an inexperienced squad. With only a few returning starters on both offense and defense, the team will need to come together and find new leaders on and off the field.
Last season, the Raiders had high hopes of clinching the Class 6A crown and securing a top seed in the district playoffs. However, despite a promising start, their momentum stalled, and they fell short in crucial games. Losses to Central Catholic and eventual champion North Allegheny dashed their playoff hopes, making them the only Class 6A team to miss the postseason.
Seneca Valley head coach Ron Butschle expressed disappointment in the team’s performance, particularly in key situations. He acknowledged that losing early in the season put them at a disadvantage, and they were unable to bounce back in conference play. However, he remains optimistic about the team’s potential for growth and success this year.
This transitional year comes with additional challenges for the Raiders. They have experienced changes in their coaching staff, including the departure of offensive coordinator Ryan Lehmeier, who accepted the head coaching position at Central Catholic. Butschle is excited to see how the new staff will come together and how their strategies will benefit the team.
One of the biggest losses from last year’s team was quarterback Graham Hancox, who threw for over 3,000 yards in the past two seasons. Sean O’Shea, a senior, is set to take over as the new starting quarterback. Although this will be his first year in the role, O’Shea gained some valuable experience as a sophomore when he started four games due to Hancox’s injury. Coach Butschle is confident in O’Shea’s abilities, citing his running and throwing skills, and believes the team’s playmakers will work together to create scoring opportunities.
Some of the key playmakers to watch for this year include senior Kai West, who excels in various positions such as running back, defensive back, and kick returner. Junior Jayden Price, a potential Division I cornerback, will also showcase his talent as a wide receiver. Additionally, senior Amari Henson, a two-year starter at wide receiver, will be an important contributor to the team’s offense.
While the Raiders have promising talent, their overall inexperience poses a concern for the coaching staff. However, they are aware that many other teams in their conference are also relying on younger players, making the competition for the Class 6A championship fierce. Coach Butschle acknowledges that every team has talented players and emphasizes the importance of capitalizing on opportunities to secure victories.
As Coach Butschle enters his seventh season with Seneca Valley, he hopes to lead his team to a successful year despite the challenges they face. Reflecting on past seasons, he acknowledges the team’s previous losses to Canon-McMillan in 2021 and Central Catholic in the first 6A championship game in 2016. However, he looks forward to writing a new chapter in the team’s history and aims to guide them to a WPIAL football championship.
Going into their 59th season, Seneca Valley Football is determined to overcome their transitional phase and make a mark on the field. Their focus on leadership, teamwork, and the utilization of their talented players gives them hope for a successful season. With dedication and hard work, the Raiders aim to prove that despite their inexperience, they are a force to be reckoned with in the Class 6A conference. The journey begins on August 25th, when they step onto the field and embark on a new chapter in Seneca Valley’s football legacy.
