Seneca Valley turns to one of its own to take reins of football program

By: Don Rebel
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 | 6:01 AM

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There is a mix of old and new at Seneca Valley, where the hope is that experienced players and a new coaching staff will put the Raiders in perfect harmony for a return to the WPIAL 6A football playoffs.

Ron Butschle stepped down as coach after last season, ending his second stint with the team. The reins were turned over to Don Barclay, a 2007 Seneca Valley grad who started at guard for three years at West Virginia before playing eight seasons in the NFL for Green Bay, Detroit, New Orleans and Denver.

Barclay worked as an assistant coach at both Seneca Valley and Pine-Richland.

“The process has been very exciting and enjoyable,” Barclay said. “It’s truly what I love doing besides being around my family. With it being my first year, the most challenging part was putting together a complete staff, implementing new rules and guidelines and establishing our identity. I feel very confident in the staff I put together to make sure our student athletes are in the right situation to succeed.

“There is a new energy and focus that has begun at our fieldhouse and practice field.”

Last season, Seneca Valley tied for third in the Class 6A standings with Mt. Lebanon at 3-3.

However, the Raiders lost their final three games of the season, including a WPIAL semifinal setback against eventual champion Central Catholic to end up with a 3-7 overall record.

The new Raiders staff has tried to instill positive vibes and confidence to help improve the success level in 2025.

“I feel like I have had enough time as we started on Feb. 1 with weight lifting and meetings,” Barclay said. “I had my offensive coordinator Donny Holl, defensive coordinator Rob Densmore and strength coach Ben Cary around since February. They have had the opportunity to implement their systems and have had plenty of time around the players to establish a great relationship. Our players have been really receptive towards learning our new systems and coaching styles to what they’ve been used to.”

Seneca Valley has experience returning with seven starters back on offense and eight on defense.

Three key players who Barclay called big-time leaders for this Raiders squad are Tommy Wuycheck, Adam Gehm and Cayden Parker.

Wuycheck is senior offensive and defensive lineman.

“Tommy has started both ways since his sophomore season as well as being an all-conference player,” Barclay said. “Tommy’s leadership is contagious and a pivotal part to our team. All players look up to him by the way he carries himself.”

Gehm, a senior tight end and defensive lineman, is a Vanderbilt commit.

“Adam has taken some big strides this offseason through his hard work to get back to the field after sustaining injuries,” Barclay said. “Adam’s mindset has changed drastically by learning how to prepare himself every day. His athleticism will show this year. We’re excited for his hard work to pay off this season.”

Parker, a senior, will play a big role on both sides of the ball at running back and linebacker.

“Cayden is a natural football player that has busted his butt off all offseason,” Barclay said. “His leadership is also contagious and (he) has been starting both ways since his sophomore season. Cayden has been an all-conference player over the years as well. We’re excited for him to move to linebacker this year and see his athleticism work.”

The Raiders struggled on offense a year ago.

Seneca Valley scored a 6A-low 146 points and was one of only two teams in the classification to average less than 20 points per game. The Raiders averaged 14.6 points in their 10 contests.

However, the Raiders’ leading passer a year ago, Andrew Loebig, and the leading rusher, Chase Mazanek, were both juniors last fall.

“I feel very excited for the whole team, but especially the seniors,” Barclay said. “They’ve put in a ton of work this offseason at early morning lifts and summer workouts. They have what it takes to be successful this season. I know they are anxious for the hard work to pay off.”

Seneca Valley

Coach: Don Barclay

2024 record: 3-7 overall, 3-3 in Class 6A

All-time record: 275-320-11

SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time

8.22 at Bethel Park, 7

8.29 North Hills, 7

9.5 at Pine-Richland, 7

9.12 Norwin*, 7

9.19 at Moon, 7

9.26 Mt. Lebanon*, 7

10.3 at Canon-McMillan*, 7

10.10 at Hempfield*, 7

10.17 Central Catholic*, 7

10.24 North Allegheny*, 7

*Conference game

STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing: Andrew Loebig

52-102, 646 yards, 7 TDs

Rushing: Chase Mazanek

113-584 yards, 2 TDs

Receiving: Brayden Wise*

16-208 yards, 2 TDs

*Graduated

FAST FACTS

• Don Barclay begins his first season at Seneca Valley in his first head coaching job. He was a multi-sport athlete as a youngster, playing baseball until ninth grade and basketball through 10th grade before focusing on football his last two years.

• Barclay becomes the fifth Raiders football coach this century. He follows Bob Ceh (2000-2003), Don Holl (2009-2014), Dave Vestal (2015-2016) and two stints with Ron Butschle (2004-2008 and 2017-2024).

• Since expanding to six classifications in 2016, Seneca Valley is a combined 22-27 in conference and playoff games against the other five current Class 6A teams. In the last nine seasons, the Raiders are a perfect 6-0 against both Hempfield and Norwin, 5-2 against Canon-McMillan, 3-6 vs. Mt. Lebanon, 3-8 battling North Allegheny and 1-11 when facing Central Catholic.

• Seneca Valley has played in three WPIAL football championship games and is 0-3. It was 35 years ago the Raiders had their first taste of playing for WPIAL football gold, falling to Aliquippa in the 1989 Class 3A finals, 17-9. Nine years ago, Seneca Valley lost to Central Catholic in the first 6A championship game in 2016, 42-7. Two years later, the Raiders were defeated by Pine-Richland in the 2018 6A finals, 34-7.

• This is the 61st season of Seneca Valley football, including preceding schools in the district.

Tags: Seneca Valley