Its quest for a state record fifth consecutive state title was denied last year, lighting the spark for this years undefeated run and quest for the schools eighth overall state title for Trinity Christian. The Conquerors have rolled through the opposition with 11 straight wins and look to add one more on their way to getting back to Orlando and compete for another state title. Here is a rundown of what to expect this Friday night.
REGION 1-5A
No. 5 Wakulla (9-2) at No. 1 Trinity Christian (11-0)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Conquerors Stadium
About Wakulla: You may or not be familiar with Wakulla, heck you may not even know where Wakulla is, but you better respect them. By the way its the next county west of Tallahassee on I-10. Scott Klees has done a tremendous job with the Wakulla program since taking over in 2006, Klees has guided the War Eagles to 11 trips to the playoffs in 13 years missing out only in 2009 and 2013, including five current consecutive years including a appearance in the state title in 2011 and 2015. Like every team, this years team has been battle tested with six playoff teams on the schedule with their losses coming at the hands of Madison County and Godby. The offense is led by junior quarterback Jaylon Worsham (96 of 150 for 1,629 yards, 13 TD, 4 INT) a dual threat athlete who has also run for 1,068 yards and 12 touchdowns on 72 carries. Other key contributors on offense are senior tailback Lamonte Peterson (760 yards, 10 TD on 81 carries, 30 catches for 382 yards, 1307 AP yards), senior receivers Jeremy Harvey (16 catches for 401 yards, 25.1 y.p.c., 4 TD) and Malik Murray (11 catches for 263 yards, 23.9 y.p.c., 3 TD). Defensively, the Eagles are led by junior linebacker Keyshawn Greene (98 tackles, 4 sacks, INT), senior linebacker Jazante Hicks (131 tackles, 5 sacks, INT) and junior lineman Andrew Carter (51 tackles, 6 sacks). The secondary is solid and features junior free safety Jarien Allen (64 tackles, 3 INT), Harvey (7 INT) and Murray (2 INT), the trio will be tested against the Trinity receivers. A defense, which has accounted for 29 sacks and 15 interceptions, will be heavily relying on creating turnovers to stay in the game.
About Trinity: Since that surprising loss back in November of last year at West Florida, the goal hasn’t changed to get back to Orlando and finish the mission again. From day one and summer workouts, the goal for every Trinity team is getting back to Orlando and competing for titles and this team is loaded and on a mission. A well balanced offense is hard to stop for any defensive coordinator especially trying to figure out how to stop sophomore quarterback Jacory Jordan (118 of 225 for 1,971 yards, 23 TD, 5 INT), senior tailback Marcus Crowley (1,675 yards, 22 TD on 155 carries) and senior receivers senior Isaiah Washington (37 catches for 759 yards, 20.5 y.p.c., 12 TD), Malik Myers (24 catches for 376 yards, 15.7 y.p.c., 4 TD) and Dreshawn Dawkins (24 catches for 49 yards, 18.7 y.p.c., 3 TD). Crowley is a handful himself to stop for opposing defenses as he can be a nightmare to prepare for with his game changing speed, vision and physical play, while Washington is a deep threat and can burn defenses that key on stopping Crowley to much. The defense is loaded with playmakers at every position led by linebackers senior Andrew Brown (90 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 2 INT), sophomore Lucius Lattimore (43 tackles, 2.5 sacks) and senior Jonathan Ealey (33 tackles, 8 sacks) as well as senior defensive back Stephen Williams (74 tackles, 5 INT). Pick your poison they say when trying to defend Trinity on defense or offense and they will burn you with all of their athletes on both sides of the ball.
Joe Pinkos: Trinity by 25
Next: Trinity would host the Bolles-Godby winner next week in the Elite 8 of the playoffs.
Helmets courtesy of FloridaHSFootball.com
Photo courtesy of Eagles Eye Photography
