Trinity captured its second Class 5A state championship trophy in 2007, and set a program record for wins in a season (15).  Following their much-discussed playoff loss against Southlake Carroll in 2006, many people wondered how Trinity would respond.  Any questions now?  Under Steve Lineweaver's leadership, Trinity has firmly established itself as one the truly elite programs in the state.  Since 1998, Euless Trinity is 109-19.  In the last 3 years, Trinity is 40-3 with two state titles ('05, '07) and this year's team might be their best yet.

          The Trojans’ only loss last year came in a 30-3 setback at Odessa Permian.  Trinity bounced back from that defeat and hit a stride in district play.  By the time the playoffs started, the Trojans were playing as well as anyone in the state.  Trinity carried that momentum through the playoffs and capped off a stellar season with a 13-10 win over Judson in the Division 1 title game.

          Trinity accomplished that feat with a young starting line-up overall.  Juniors claimed 11 of the 22 starting positions.  The Trojans had to grow up as a team throughout the season, and ultimately made the necessary progression.  In contrast, the 2008 Trojans will start 20 seniors, and that is the main reason why Trinity starts this season at number one.     Eleven starters (5 offense, 6 defense- 24 lettermen) lead Trinity into the 2008 season.

          One of Trinity’s primary concerns last year was finding a quarterback.  Denarius McGhee, a junior last year, stepped into the role and became an efficient quarterback by the end of the year, completing 57% of his passes for 1,700 yards and 14 TD's to just 4 INT's.   McGhee underwent a trial by fire in the loss at Permian, but gradually settled into the position.  McGhee (6’0 180 4.7), now an experienced senior, will aim to further improve his game this season with 16 starts under his belt.

          Senior RB Tray Robinson (6’1 210 4.5) is poised for a big season after playing a supporting role to workhorses Samir Baker and Justise Campbell the past two seasons.  Robinson is the latest thoroughbred in the Trinity pipeline.  Robinson averaged 6.5 yards per carry (137 attempts, 885 yards) as a junior and scored 17 touchdowns despite missing five games recovering with an injury.  Senior Tevin Williams (5’11 175 4.5) adds firepower to the running game, and will also feature on kick returns.  Senior RB Jack Detvongsa (5’8 170 4.5) lettered last season and gives the Trojans another talented option in the ground game.  Senior Stetson Smith (6’0 190 4.8) will start at fullback after starting at receiver last year.  Smith can also play quarterback, so his versatility adds a valuable element to the offense.  Senior fullback Christo Lisika (6’1 200 4.6) is a returning letterman and adds depth to a tremendous backfield.

          When Trinity goes to the air attack, seniors Tyree Tucker (6’0 200) and Chris Brown (5’11 180 4.5) will be primary targets.  Tucker started last year and led the team in receiving.  Tucker caught 34 passes for 561 yards (16.5 per catch) and four touchdowns.  Senior Noa Galeai (6’2 205 4.7) starts at tight end.  Galeai is a returning starter as the team’s deep snapper. 

          Seniors OG Chuck Davenport (6’0 270) and OT Ben Johnson (6’2 250) lead Trinity’s offensive line this season.  The Trojans field one of the best line units in the state on an annual basis.  Junior center Andrew Eteaki (5’11 240) and junior OG Isi Cocker (6’0 300) are the only non-seniors projected to start on the entire team.  Senior OT Kini Cocker (6’3 300) completes the starting five. 

          Senior Isaac Arellano (5’9 160) takes over the kicking and punting duties this season.  Arellano is a returning letterman.  Overall, Trinity will be better on offense this season provided the line makes its typical progress.  The backfield and receiving positions are loaded with talent and experience.  This is the most talented Trojan offense since 2005.

          Defense carried Trinity for much of last season while the offense gained experience.  The Trojans had one of the top total defenses in the state last year, and six starters return from that unit.  Trinity will start 11 seniors.

          Senior defensive tackles Siosaia Tuipulotu (6’1 280) and Sioeli Pauni (6’0 255) anchor the Trojans up front.  Both players earned all-district recognition as juniors.  Seniors Josh Finau (5’11 220) and Vai Sapoi (6’0 215) take over the starting positions at defensive end.  Trinity’s defense operates from a 4-3 base front. 

          The linebackers are experienced and talented.  Seniors Earnest Norman (5’11 215 4.5) and Elikena Fieilo (5’11 200 4.6) are returning starters.  Norman started at safety his sophomore season before rolling down to linebacker last year.  Norman is drawing Division 1 college interest.  Senior Andrew Murphy (5’11 180 4.7) completes the starting trio.    Murphy lettered last year.

          Seniors CB Eryon Barnett (6’2 180 4.5) and rover Prinz Kande (6’0 185 4.5) lead the secondary.  Barnett made an early verbal commitment to the University of Texas this off-season.  Kande enters his third season as a starter in the defensive backfield.  Seniors CB Tony Brame (6’0 175 4.6) and FS Zach Regan (5’11 175 4.7) step into the starting line-up.  Both earned letters last season.  This is a very talented and very experienced defense overall. 

          Trinity is much more experienced across the board this year than they were at this time a year ago.  The Trojans can make history in 2008 by becoming the fifth 5A program to repeat as champions since 1980.  Only Plano (86, 87), Converse Judson (92, 93), Midland Lee (98, 99, 00) and Southlake Carroll (02, 04, 05, 06) have managed to accomplish that feat in the last 28 years.  Senior experience will be the driving force behind Trinity’s push for history this season, and the Trojans have the potential to be dominant on both sides of the ball. 

 

2008  Team  Outlook

Pre-Season State Top 25:  1st Pre-Season Rank (Region):  1st (1) Pre-Season Rank (District):  1st (5) Returning Offensive Starters:  5 QB Denarius McGhee (Sr.) RB Tray Robinson (Sr.) FB Stetson Smith (Sr.) WR Tyree Tucker (Sr.) OL Chuck Davenport (Sr.) Returning Defensive Starters:  6 DT Siosaia Tuipulotu (Sr.) DT Sioeli Pauni (Sr.) OLB Elikena Fieilo (Sr.) ILB Earnest Norman (Sr.) * '07 Dist. Def. MVP CB Eryon Barnett (Sr.) ROV Prinz Kande (Sr.) All-State Players (Team):  1 LB Earnest Norman (1st) Returning All-District Players:  6 LB Earnest Norman (District MVP) RB Dontrayveous Robinson (1st) DL Siosaia Tuipulotu (1st) DL Sioeli Pauni (2nd) OLB Elikena Fieilo (2nd) S Prinz Kande (2nd) Other Players to Watch: RB Tevin Williams (Sr.) RB Jack Detvongsa (Sr.) FB Christo Lisika (Sr.) WR Chris Brown (Sr.) TE Noa Galeai (Sr.) OT Kini Cocker (Sr.) OG Isi Cocker (Jr.) C Andrew Eteaki (Jr.) OT Ben Johnson (Sr.) DE Josh Finau (Sr.) DE Vai Sapoi (Sr.) DE Patrick Coker (Jr.) ILB Andrew Murphy (Sr.) CB Tony Brame (Sr.) FS Zach Regan (Sr.) FS Dustin Emery (Sr.) 2008 Schedule (Stadium): 9/1       John Curtis, LA. (N/A) 9/12     @ Cedar Hill (Longhorn) 9/19     @ Allen (Eagle) 9/26     Keller (Pennington) 10/3     @ Keller Fossil Ridge (Keller ISD) 10/10   Colleyville Heritage (Pennington) 10/17   Keller Central (Pennington) 10/24   @ Grapevine (Mustang-Panther) 10/31   Justin Northwest (Pennington) 11/6     @ Hurst Bell (Pennington)  Opponents Combined Record:  46-41 Projected 2008 Record: 10-0 Key Games (Rank): @ Cedar Hill @ Allen @ Keller Fossil Ridge @ Grapevine Strength of Schedule (Rank): 75.50 (31st) Unit Rankings: Total Offense (3rd) Total Defense (1st) Offensive Backfield (4th) Defensive Line (4th) Linebackers (2nd) Secondary (4th)   Strengths: Experience and Talent Across the Board Efficient, Experienced QB Key Starters Back From Dominant D Playoff Experience Senior Laden Roster Great Coaching Staff Weaknesses: OL inexperience