Both time elements were evident as Seneca beat Shawnee, 14-7, with a second-half surge that could carry the Golden Eagles deep into November, and maybe even December.

"As far as our football talent, maybe we are a year early," Seneca coach Bill Fisher said. "But as far as the way these kids believe, how hard they work, you can say they belong to be right where they are."

With a loaded junior class, Seneca figures to be one of the top teams in South Jersey in 2010. But the Golden Eagles have a chance to do something special this season.

The victory over Shawnee gave Seneca a 4-1 division record as well as a 5-2 overall mark. The Golden Eagles have clinched at least a tie for the division crown, as Timber Creek also can finish 4-1.

Seneca also likely has secured a berth in the Group 3 tournament, where it will be a tough out.

"We're going to have like nine guys back on defense next year, so we know we're going to have a good team," Seneca two-way junior back Steve Greco said. "But I think we're going to just keep winning this year and carry it through."

Seneca looked like a division champion as well as a serious playoff contender in controlling play in the second half against Shawnee (4-3, 3-2).

"They made plays, and they deserved to win," Shawnee coach Tim Gushue said. "It's not what they did. It's how they did it."

Shawnee was hurt by five turnovers, including a fumble that rolled out of the back of the end zone for a touchback with the Renegades on the verge of a potential tying touchdown with 6 minutes, 25 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

But Seneca put itself in position to win with a dominant third quarter. The Golden Eagles outgained the Renegades, 104-2, in the period and scored two touchdowns while the home team didn't manage a first down.

That was startling enough.

The really striking thing was that Seneca controlled the third quarter after Shawnee completely dominated the first half.

"We really didn't make any adjustments," Fisher said. "It was more emotional. We challenged the kids."

Shawnee senior Ben Schwing (25 carries, 154 yards) led Shawnee to a 7-0 lead in the first half.

Schwing gained 118 yards before intermission and scored the only touchdown of the first half on a 1-yard run in the second quarter. That capped a drive in which he carried on all five plays for 55 yards.

"He's a great back," Fisher said.

Seneca did not have a first down in the first half. The Golden Eagles had 45 yards on 17 plays and seemed incapable of taking advantage of takeaways and field position.

But the Golden Eagles took the second half kickoff and went 69 yards on 11 running plays. Greco finished the drive with a 1-yard run that was highlight material - a leap, a flip and a landing in the end zone.

Seneca got the football right back on Ryan Blythe's fumble recovery. This time, the Golden Eagles went 25 yards in five running plays. Junior Zac Johnson finished the drive with a 1-yard burst into the end zone.

"When we got the momentum, it felt like we were unstoppable," Johnson said.

Johnson gained 47 of his 54 yards in the second half. Greco gained 53 of his 70 yards in the second half. The Golden Eagles had zero first downs before intermission and 12 after emerging from the locker room.

They got there late. But they still seem early.

"You never know with the schedule we play," Fisher said. "But these kids, they love to play the game."

Seneca 0 0 14 0 - 14

Shawnee 0 7 0 0 - 7

Shaw: Schwing 1 run (Garganio kick)

Sen: Greco 1 run (Yates kick)

Sen: Johnson 1 run (Yates kick)