Training camp 101: St. Augustine Prep

Coach: Pete Lancetta (first season; 215-65-1 in 26 seasons at Hammonton High School).

Last season: 9-1, won WJFL Continental Division.

Last five seasons: 9-1, 9-1, 8-2, 8-3, 8-2.

Schedule:

9/1: vs. Malvern Prep at Villanova

9/8: at Atlantic City

9/15: Williamstown

9/22: Millville

10/6: at Bridgeton

10/13: Holy Spirit

10/20: Egg Harbor Twp.

10/28: at St. Joseph

11/3: at Vineland

Outlook: The Hermits have gone from a team with a bullseye on its back to a team with a chip on its shoulder. The teams enters 2017 after a tumultuous off-season that saw the surprising departure of former head coach Mark Reardon and his top assistant, Chalie Roman, as well as star running back Kyle Dobbins, who transferred from Timber Creek, and star quarterback Josh Zamot, who transferred to Holy Spirit. Those seismic events led many to speculate the Hermits would not be the same dominant program moving forward — a source of deep motivation to many of the team's veteran players. "It gives us an edge," senior DB/WR Shamere Collins (5-10, 170) said. Collins and fellow seniors such as WR Xaiver File (6-1, 180) and LB Joe Bonzcek (6-1, 200) are determined to prove the Hermits will remain one of South Jersey's elite teams despite the departures during the offseason. Other key veterans include junior RB True Robinson (5-8, 180), who likely will be the team's workhorse ball-carrier, as well as senior OL Garrett Dolan (6-1, 245), senior DB Sean Mulhern (5-9, 160) and senior K Nate Fondacaro (5-10, 170), a Villanova recruit. Junior Chris Allen (6-1, 175) likely will be the quarterback. The Hermits have some young players to watch and a flashy freshman who could make an impact in RB Pat Smith (5-9, 150).

Coaching change: It's hard to overstate the stabilizing influence of the arrival of Lancetta, one of South Jersey's all-time best coaches. After winning 215 games in 26 seasons at Hammonton, Lancetta spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach at Rowan University. He brings instant credibility and authority besides a wealth of knowledge and a knack for motivating teen-aged football players. Once Lancetta landed in Richland, it was clear that anybody who underestimated the Hermits would do so at their own peril.

Schedule analysis: The Hermits have a daunting slate in front of them, starting with a Sept. 1 opener vs. Malvern Prep at Villanova. Malvern Prep is projected as one of the top teams in Southeastern Pa. this season. The Hermits also play Group 5 powers Millville and Vineland in WJFL Division play, and non-public powers Holy Spirit and St. Joseph in cross-over games. The end of the regular season is especially challenging, with an Oct. 28 at St. Joe's followed by a short week and a Nov. 3 visit to Vineland.

Post-season prospects: It's the same old story for St. Augustine Prep. They are grouped in Non-Public 4 with powerhouse North Jersey programs such as Paramus Catholic, Bergen Catholic, St. Peter's Prep and Don Bosco Prep. So challenging for a state title seems unrealistic. What the Hermits can do, especially with a change in the power-point system, is put together a strong enough  regular season to earn a high seed, a home game and a first-round matchup with an opponent such as Notre Dame, Seton Hall Prep, Notre Dame or St. Joseph of Metuchen.

Fast fact: St. Augustine has won 25 games in a row vs. South Jersey teams.

Player to watch: Robinson will be the Hermits' feature back with Dobbins departed for Timber Creek. Robinson runs with a mix of power and speed. He excels between the tackles but can run away from defenders, too. Robinson ran for 587 yards and 6 TDs as a sophomore. If he stays healthy and the St. Augustine offensive line continues to develop, he could triple those numbers in 2017.

The last word: "Our mentality is great," Collins said. "We pick each other up, support each other at all times."