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
