Countdown to Kickoff: Seneca

(Another in a series of South Jersey football previews)

Seneca

Conference: WJFL Constitution.

Group: South Jersey 3.

Last season: 6-5 overall, 4-1 in WJFL Constitution.

Coach: Bill Fisher (66-79 overall; 55-70 entering his 13th season at Seneca).

Last five seasons: 6-5, 3-7, 2-8, 4-6, 3-7.

Schedule: Cherry Hill West, at Moorestown, at Camden, Lenape, at Winslow Twp., Camden Catholic, at Shawnee, Pennsauken, Cherokee (Thanksgiving).

Outlook: Seneca took a big step forward last season, earning a playoff berth and winning a post-season game. It was the team's best season since 2009. Even the losses wwre impressive: The Golden Eagles dropped a 14-7 decision to Shawnee and a 14-12 decision to Cherokee. Seneca lost some key players from that team but hope the program has reached another level and can maintain in 2016 and beyond. The team will be led by veteran quarterback JJ Scarpello (6-3, 185), a three-year starter. Other senior leaders include two-way lineman Kevin Blesi (6-2, 260) and RB/LB Jurelle Watson (5-9, 175) along with two-way lineman Liam Casey (6-0, 240), TE/DE Aaron Funches (6-4, 185), TE/DE Jordan McCullough (6-2, 190). Senior RB/DB Peter Burke (5-10, 185) could be a key addition. Juniors to watch include WRs Kevin Gsell (6-2, 180) and Thomas Scarpello (6-1, 175), JJ's brother, along with C Mike Mauss (6-1, 250), two-way lineman Joey Pepe (6-3, 27) and LB John Murphy (5-10, 180), who returned an INT for a TD in a recent scrimmage against Rancocas Valley.

Schedule analysis: Seneca has one of the most difficult schedules for a program of its size in South Jersey. The Golden Eagles are locked into three games against Lenape district foes Lenape, Shawnee and Cherokee, always tough duty for the smallest school in that district. And the Constitution Division always is a challenge. This year, with Camden Catholic and Camden coming into the division, that's especially the case. Starting fast will be key to build some confidence and momentum with many inexperienced players. Circle the opener vs. Cherry Hill West as perhaps the key game of the season.

Player to watch: Scarpello was 131-for-196 passing for 1,884 yards and 17 TDs last season. He's a smooth left-handed passer and also an experienced runner in some of the Golden Eagles' zone-read action. "He's our leader," Watson said said Scarpello. "He's been doing it for three years. He knows what he's doing back there." Scarpello said his confidence is "high" as a veteran, especially after last season's successful season. He helped turn around the Seneca season, rallting the Golden Eagles for a 28-27 overtime victory over Moorestown in Week 3 three after tough losses in the first two games. The Golden Eagles took over from there, going 6-3 with competitive losses to perennial powers Shawnee, Delsea and Cherokee. Scarpello said he is especially excited to play his final season with his brother, who could emerge with Gsell as a key target in the Seneca attack.

The last word: "We're prepared," Scarpello said. "Senior year, we want to make it something special."

-- Contact Phil Anastasia at panastasia@phillynews.com

-- Follow @PhilAnastasia on Twitter

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