SEASON OUTLOOK
Trinity hopes defensive back Ryan White sees plenty ofaction this season. If opponents are trailing big, they'llbe forced to throw.
Photo by Wayne Litmer
Toughest game:
St. Xavier (Cincinnati). The preseason Xcellent 25 lists St. Xavier one spot ahead of the Shamrocks, so this one should be an evenly matched contest in Cincinnati. It will be Trinity's second trip to the Queen City in consecutive weeks. St. Xavier brings back eight offensive starters, so the Trinity defense will certainly be tested. Last year, St. X handed Trinity its only loss, a 17-10 decision in Louisville.
Question Mark: Trinity is the favorite for a state title. The question is if the Shamrocks play well enough against marquee opponents in their out-of-area games to finish undefeated.
Local look:
The Shamrocks' district is perhaps the toughest in Kentucky. Male, St. Xavier and DuPont Manual will all be quality teams, but not likely at Trinity's level. Trinity has lost 14 times in the past seven seasons, and six of those were to St. Xavier (Louisville). Also, Fort Thomas Highlands, the dominant 5A champion last year, will provide Trinity with a good test in a scrimmage that Beatty said will be treated like a game.
Overall outlook: Beatty preaches that he wants his teams to play tough games during the regular season to prepare for the playoffs. Mission accomplished. He has set the bar high and has put his team in a position where it could face a loss or two. So while an undefeated regular season is anything but guaranteed, the Shamrocks will be battle-tested for the 6A playoffs and will be the favorite to once again win the state championship trophy.
Coach quote:
"We have a rule here at Trinity. We’re on one-day contracts as players. Just because you started last year doesn't mean anything this year. Right now, every position is open ... Our kids are used to playing with a target on their backs so we don't single out any one game on the schedule. We’ll get everybody’s A game."
- Bob Beatty
