It was during that contest when Senneca might have shown his true potential when the gunning quarterback lofted a 50-yard scoring pass over cornerback Todd Howard's head and into Bryant Johnson's hands.
"Being in there for actual game situations instead of a scrimmage, it gets me more comfortable with them and it gets them more comfortable with me," Senneca says of his connections with a receiving corps that will remain intact next season. "It helps me with the transition and taking over Rashard's job. I just feel more comfortable going in there."
But Senneca did not go into the season on the right step, having misfired on all eight of his passing attempts. That's not the type of performance that will win Senneca the starting position as he will be pushed by two freshmen, Zac Wasserman and Zack Mills, that redshirted this season.
"Senneca needs some work," Paterno said. "Sennecsa has got some abilities. He has to play himself into being a better quarterback than he has been in there. Senneca has been better than that."
Senneca understands that. So he's determined to work hard this winter, spring and summer to become a better quarterback and to help resurrect the program, which will not compete in this postseason for the first time in 12 years. After all, Senneca could have quite a challenge on his hands in first game as the starter.
Penn State hosts Miami to begin its campaign next season in what will be an expanded Beaver Stadium. That's heady stuff for a guy who came into last season as the fourth-stringer behind Kevin Thompson, Casey and Chad Kroell.
Furthermore, Senneca will line up under center without two of his favorite targets, fellow Allentown Central Catholic High School alums in fullback Mike Cerimele and tight end Tony Stewart. He began thinking about that in the shower after what could be his last game as the second name on the quarterback depth chart.
Still, this is the chance for Senneca to make good on a dream. Sure, he could be at Notre Dame, the school he followed as a youngster and college football enthusiast. But after one look at South Bend, Senneca opted for Penn State, signing with the school in February.
Right about that time, Senneca had another fascination — a tattoo. And after signing his letter of intent, Senneca could not think of a more fitting mark on his throwing arm: PSU Football.
"I haven't regretted my decision," Senneca says of his choice of schools and representation of Penn State pride.
Senneca has made some smart decisions this year as well as he came into the season having tossed just two passes in his collegiate career after beating out Kroell for the third-string and kick-holding spot. One of those was complete for four yards and the other was intercepted.
Now, he understands the quarterbacking position better. That's more than just understanding coverages, picking up blitzes and checking off receivers. It has to do with the mentality that comes with quarterbacking spot — taking criticism, remaining humble and becoming a leader.
All of which he has learned from Casey.
"He seemed to progress from a freshman until now as two different people," Cerimele said. "He is very confident when he steps in the huddle. He's a leader and he wants to go out there and make plays. Earlier on in his career, he was a little tentative. Now, he is going to be the leader next year and the next two years."
