C.J. Scarpa’s debut as Bentley University’s head football coach started in crisis.
There were three straight losses, and a team in need of direction.
But by refocusing on the basics that started the day he was hired and embracing the process, Scarpa guided his squad to seven straight wins and a Northeast-10 Conference championship.
Despite a punishing loss in the NCAA tournament, Scarpa’s leadership — and the team’s unity — earned him Division II/III Coach of the Year honors from two major organizations.
“First of all, we played three real good programs to start the season,” said Scarpa. “We had a young quarterback who was figuring things out. We were shuffling guys on the offensive line. And we knew our defense was good. It just clicked in that fourth game and we became very consistent in a lot of areas. When that happens, your chances of winning improve greatly.”
That first win over AIC was obviously a highlight. But the win over then-undefeated Assumption a month ago — which included a 4th-and-6 conversion on its game-winning drive with 2:44 remaining — was special.
“We weren’t perfect that game; had chances to put them away earlier,” said Scarpa. “But that was a great day for our program. We wanted that game.”
Two weeks later in the NCAA tourney, Scarpa & Co. saw what special really looks like in Kutztown, Pa., losing 52-0. In fact, that team is now 14-0 and playing in the Div. 2 national semis this Saturday.
“That team was so deep,” recalled Scarpa. “When some starters came out, their backups were just as good. They executed really well. They run the crap out of the ball. And they were the best tackling team we played all year. It was a tough game, but good for us to see where we need to improve.”
As for the awards ceremonies, they begin tonight for Scarpa, at the N.E. Football Writers event in Framingham and then Monday night, the Gridiron Club of New England.
In fact, in between, the Bentley football banquet takes place on Friday night in Waltham.
Obviously, he needs to plan these things better as he only has two suits for the three celebrations for a football season well done.
“I haven’t figured out which suit I’ll be wearing twice,” joked the 31-year-old Scarpa. “I still live in my father’s basement in Andover.”
He didn’t joke about the special quality of his team, that goes far beyond a plaque (or two) in December.
“Honestly, this is not my award; it’s a team award. We have 100 players and 10 coaches. Everybody played a part … If you want to know the secret to our success this year, it was unity. Everybody stuck together.”