Doris Day’s 1956′ single “Que sera, sera” means ‘whatever will be, will be‘. In essence, the song suggests that there’s nothing you can do to change the outcome of a situation. That song seems applicable to the recent series featuring Trinity Christian and Ed White. The teams have renewed a long ago rivalry in recent years, playing three times in three years. Yet, no matter what Ed White seems to do, they can’t seem to change the outcome of the series with Trinity.
Ed White lost a close one in 2022, and were blown out in 2023. Friday night was the same. But instead of saying que sera, the Commanders might as well have been saying “Que Zarah”. As in Hicks Zarah, Trinty’s sophomore quarterback. Ed White’s defense seemed to be caught off guard with his physicality and designed runs up the middle. The defense truly didn’t know what hit them, after playing a relatively tough close contest.
See, Zarah did not start throwing at quarterback for Trinity in the game. That was freshman Terel Dallas. Yet before it was all said and done, Zarah had come in the game, and closed it out for his team’s first victory of the season with his legs. Zarah would have the longest gain of the afternoon on a power up the gut rushing play to set the tone.
4th &1 Sophomore Zarah Hicks up the middle for the long game! FUMBLES AT THE END! But recovered by Trinity pic.twitter.com/K1rJ2mqeGf
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) August 24, 2024
Then, late in the third quarter, Zarah took the direct snap, followed his blockers up the middle, and rumbled for a 25-yard touchdown to knock the breath out of Ed White. Although there was still a quarter to play, Trinity had gained momentum and confidence, while Ed White seemed to shrink under the pressure. At a point in the game everyone knew, there was no way to change the inevitable outcome. Trinity’s defense supplied constant pressure sacking Bolyston several times and forcing him out of the pocket. Players like Carl Kendrick, Terrell Pinckney, Jeremiah Desir, and Jacob Weldon were relentless with their pressure and it took it’s toll on Ed White.
Hicks Zarah power up the gut!! TOUCHDOWN TRINITY!! Pat good! They lead Ed White 14-12, 2:15 3rd pic.twitter.com/04h5zSQ9m2
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) August 24, 2024
Coming into the game, Ed White was favored to win by most sports analysts. They are more experienced, bigger in size, and have more players with offers for the first time in their matchup with Trinity. Another reason is due to Trinity having 29 other players like Zarah, who are just sophomores. The Conquerors roster is their youngest in twenty years. They’ve chosen to start a freshman at quarterback, and must navigate an undersized squad compared to previous teams. Yet never underestimate a championship staff.
From the start of the game Friday, you could notice how Trinity’s coaching staff had instilled confidence in their players and it showed. In the first quarter, when Ed White attempted to punt, an errant snap saw the ball bounce into the endzone. Ed White’s punter had plenty of time to kick the ball out of bounds for a safety, or pick up the ball to try to advance it out of the endzone. He did neither.
It's a bad snap on the punt and Ed White for some reason doesn't kick it out of the end zone or fall on it! WOW ! Touchdown Trinity!! 7-0 over Ed White , 9:50,1st pic.twitter.com/lFhWop9Jos
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) August 24, 2024
Instead, he chose to move out of the way, as Trinity’s Carl Kendrick recovered the fumble in the Ed White end-zone for a touchdown. Trinity was spotted 7-points by the Commanders. The Conquerors would eventually win the game by 3 points 21-18. It proved to be the difference in the game.
@duvalsports King Boylston to Nick Roberson Super Heros!
♬ original sound – Duval Sports
Ed White started a sophomore at quarterback in King Boylston. The young and talented future star who transferred from Trinity this summer showed flashes of what is to come. He hooked up with Landon Francis for a long gain, and also his big 6 foot 2 receiver Nick Roberson (2026) for a long gain in the 2nd quarter. This set up a powerful touchdown run by Ulysess Johnson, which gave Ed White a 12-7 lead going into halftime.
Ulysess Johnson ip the middle on the next play! Ed White takes the lead 12-7 2nd, 3:07 PAT no good! pic.twitter.com/9Aywg7QI3y
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) August 24, 2024
In fact, Ed White would have success running the ball at times, they scored another rushing touchdown with Rontrez Loyd. But penalties and miscues plagued them all game. Trinity was also penalized several times, indicative of a game with young inexperienced players, but also the weather. Trinity would put the game away in the fourth quarter. After a fumble by Ed White deep in their own territory, Trinity’s Terel Dallas ran the zone read and raced around the right side for the deciding score.
Ed White would score with a minute left in the game, yet an onsides kick was unsuccessful, and Trinity converted a first down on the ground to come away with an impressive victory on the road. 21-18. Trinity faces Bolles (0-1) at home next, while Ed White has a bye before going to Westside on September 6th.
