Vitals:

     The Trinity Trojans were just under two minutes away from beating Southlake Carroll, and advancing to the third round of the playoffs last year.  A pulsating conclusion in a clash of Metroplex titans saw Trinity on the wrong end of a 22-21 scoreline.  Trinity's program.  This decade, Trinity has become a consistent force on par with nearly anyone else in the state.  The Trojans have developed a smashmouth identity for the physicality of their play.  People around the state and even the country have been exposed to Trinity's team unity drill, the Haka.  Trinity's 2005 team started the Haka during spring, and it proved good luck as the Trojans won state that year.  The 2006 team continued the budding Haka tradition all last year.  Although Trinity didn't walk out winners against Carroll on that amazing day  at Texas Stadium last year, they left with respect for the quality of battle fought for four quarters.  It also served a menacing warning because several players who featured prominently in that game are back in 2007.

    Trinity's success on offense starts up from with the play of the offensive line.  Sure, they are usually very big but they are also technically sound.  Seniors Nate Adams, Veliani Kautai and Kaili Tualau anchor the Trojan offensive line this fall.  Talented junior Tray Robinson and senior Samir Baker will receive most of the carries.  Trinity is looking at two, possibly three, quarterbacks right now for the starting role.  Two of them are juniors, Teu Kautai and Stetson Smith.  If Trinity can add a consistent passing element, the offense will be nearly unstoppable because they will run the football very well again this year.  Senior kicker-punter Pery Negreiros also returns.  Negreiros earned first team all-district honors last season.

    Trinity's experience really shows well on the defensive line and in the secondary.  The defensive line features senior DL-FB Mao Leota.  Leota plays both ways, and has been contributing on varsity since his sophomore year.  Senior DL Robert Griffin uses his 6'8, 330 pound frame to wreak havoc on opposing lines.  Senior Yanick Kande is a workhorse up front.  The Trojans are breaking in new starters at LB.  Look for junior Earnest Norman to possibly roll down to LB or play a strong safety, hybrid type role.  Norman started at DB as a sophomore last year.  Senior Wayne Heimuli an experienced and proven player at the back as is fellow senior Prinze Kande.    If new starters step up at LB, an already good defense could become great.

    The Trojans will put a strong team on the field this fall, one that could be even better than what they had in 2006.  Keys will be finding a consistent and efficient QB on offense and reloading at LB on defense.  Trinity doesn't need a 3,000 yard passer at QB, just someone who will hit the mark 50-60% of the time and keep the chains moving when needed.  Trinity opens the season with a couple of tricky road games to the legendary venues of Ratliff in Odessa and Rose Stadium in Tyler.  This is a talent team all-around and don't be surprised if they are one of the last teams standing in December.

The Bottom Line:

2007 Schedule

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Forecast:

Evenly distributed returning experience,
Talented Backfield,
Very Good Secondary and DL

Inexperienced at LB

Win District and one of the favorites to contend for state

Top Players: