No. 7 Trinity
By Stephen Spiewak
Jun 7, 2011, 8:40pm
One of the Texas' proudest programs will be strong again in 2011.
Trinity (Euless, Texas)Visit full Top 25
From left to right: Brian Nance, D.J. Haynes, head coach Steve Lineweaver and Josh Benstowe.
Photo by Jim Redman
Trinity spent nearly the entire season last fall as the No. 1 team in the country before falling in the 5A-I final to Pearland.
In 2011, Trinity will reload, bolstered by a big, deep, talented defense and a punishing offensive line.
The Trojans will have to replace Brandon Carter, who was the team’s biggest playmaker down the stretch last season. However, quarterback
Kailahi Kautai and running back
Joel Kimpala have put in their time in coach Steve Lineweaver’s program and are poised for strong senior seasons.
Linebacker Brian Nance leads Trinity’s defense. He was a first-team all-state selection in 2010 after registering 121 tackles, four interceptions and three sacks. In 2011, he should be even better.
The team’s defensive line and secondary also returns starters and should be better than the 2010 unit that allowed some big games down the stretch.
The Trojans will face off against Abilene in week two. It may provide the biggest threat to Trinity until it begins its playoff march for another 5A state title.
Local look: “They lost a lot of seniors including playmaker Brandon Carter, who bailed them out constantly last year. With Trinity, they’re always going to have a lot of size and strength – that’s no different. And they return a really strong linebacking crew and speedy secondary. The question marks are at quarterback (Lahi Kautai) and the skill positions. Coach (Steve Lineweaver) said this spring it’s (Kautai’s) job to lose. He doesn’t need to do much but run the offense and not make mistakes. Their formula works: utilize their size and strength and be conservative on offense and be real solid on defense. They usually find a couple of game-breakers. This year it’s likely Joel Kimpela.”
– Matt Wixon, Dallas Morning News
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SCHOOL PROFILE
Head coach Steve Lineweaver.
Photo by Jim Redman
School size: 5A
Enrollment: 2,124 (grades 10-12)
2010 finish: 15-1 (8-0 in league)
Head coach: Steve Lineweaver
Career record: 215-34-2
Years at school: 18
Notable players coached:
DE Ryan McBean (Oklahoma State, fourth-round pick of Pittsburgh Steelers in 2007, now with Denver Broncos)
RB Dimitri Nance (Arizona State, signed as undrafted free agent by Atlanta Falcons before being picked up by Green Bay Packers).
QB Trevor Vittatoe (starter at UTEP): Finished senior season in 2010-11 with 12,339 career yards and 98 touchdown passes for Conference USA program.
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KEY RETURNERS
With big bodies like Josh Benstowe, Trinity's line play is always a strength.
Photo by Jim Redman
3 (offense), 3 (defense)
Linebacker Brian Nance was a U.S. Air Force Junior
All-American last year.
Photo by Jim Redman
WR-DB-QB Brandon Carter
RB Terrence Tusan
LB Jonathan Yenga
DL Inoke Paipa
Key returners:RB
Joel KimpalaC
Dillon DillardOL
Hiva LutuiOL
Henry Lae’aeotaDE
Wawa LeotaDB
Ilaiu MoeakiolaDE
Polo ManukainiuDT
Maohengi LatuLB
Brian NanceDB
Sione Paipa Key newcomers:QB
Kailahi KautaiTE
Mote MaileWR
Jasom ReeseOL
Folau MoseDL
Gaius Vaenuku
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SEASON OUTLOOK
Trinity looks to stand tall in 2011.
Photo by Jim Redman
Toughest game: Abilene (Texas). Although Abilene loses running back Herschel Sims and quarterback Ronnell Sims, the Eagles return some young, albeit inexperienced talent. Unfortunately for Trinity, this might be the most difficult game on its regular season schedule.
The Trojans' secondary is deep and
should be improved.
Photo by Jim Redman
Trinity’s district won’t produce any teams of national interest in 2011, but Coppell, also in Region I, will be a threat to Trinity again after falling short 41-40 against the Trojans last year.
Overall outlook: The fact that Trinity can lose the likes of Brandon Carter and Tevin Williams and still be as strong as it is heading into this season is a testament to the program that Steve Lineweaver has in place. The Trojans are a major threat to capture another state title in 2011.
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VIDEO
