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12-13-2005, 06:55 PM
FROM FT. STAR TELEGRAM....
5A Division I Champs will have new look:
By ANGEL H. VERDEJO
STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER
EULESS -- So where do the Trinity Trojans go from here?
The trio of LaDerrick Handy, Dimitri Nance and Trevor Vittatoe returned from a state semifinalist season and led the Trojans to a 14-1 season and the Class 5A Division I state championship Saturday. Nance grabbed the most headlines, rushing for 3,175 yards and 41 touchdowns, but Handy eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark as a fullback and Vittatoe finished just short of 2,000 passing yards.
Now the team will not only have to replace this talented trio, but also fill other holes in the offense and defense.
"I foresee in spring training an outstanding competition," coach Steve Lineweaver said, especially pointing to the running back positions. "We'll just see who gets in the weight room and gets on the track and develops themselves the most."
Lineweaver said the Trojans might use a committee at running back or switch players to running back from other positions. Juniors Shannon Moore, Shannon Bass and Aisea Babcock played behind Nance and Handy and saw action during Trinity's lopsided wins.
Quarterback Ryan Taggart didn't throw much during the season, but operated the second-team and also punted in the state final.
Taggart will have most of Trinity's top wideouts returning, as Robert Davila, Marcus King and Jordan Scoggins are all juniors.
"Ryan is the front-runner -- he's earned it," Lineweaver said.
"He's got the nice size, the touch and has learned a lot. He's been a backup on the varsity for two years. I know he'll be anxious to get at the helm."
Said Taggart: "With the state championship, there is more pressure. We're going to work out a lot over the summer. I've been waiting two years to be the starter."
Defensively, the Trojans rotated many players on the defensive line and at linebacker, giving many young players experience early and keeping players fresh during the playoff run. Trinity does lose defensive end Henry Niutei and linebackers Siosaia Moeakiola and Ryan Foster.
Three of four defensive backs -- Matt Steward, Sione Vaitai and Torrey Pinkerton -- are seniors, leaving only cornerback Mike Smith.
IN THE KNOW
On the defense
Here's what to look for next season from Trinity, this season's Class 5A Division I champion:
Key losses: RB Dimitri Nance, LaDerrick Handy, QB Trevor Vittatoe, DE Henry Niutei, S Sione Vaitai
Key returners: TE Jordan Scoggins (right), WR Robert Davila, DL Alex Kautai, K Pery Negreiros
Key stats: Handy, Nance and Vittatoe combined for 7,179 yards of total offense and 96 total touchdowns. ... Nance finishes his career with 5,262 yards rushing. ... Vittatoe ends his 2-year stint at starting quarterback with a 24-5 record, the most wins of any quarterback in school history. ... The senior class leaves with a 33-7 record in three years, including a 19-2 district record and only three home losses. ... Trinity's top JV team went 8-2 during the year, including an undefeated district season.
5A Division I Champs will have new look:
By ANGEL H. VERDEJO
STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER
EULESS -- So where do the Trinity Trojans go from here?
The trio of LaDerrick Handy, Dimitri Nance and Trevor Vittatoe returned from a state semifinalist season and led the Trojans to a 14-1 season and the Class 5A Division I state championship Saturday. Nance grabbed the most headlines, rushing for 3,175 yards and 41 touchdowns, but Handy eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark as a fullback and Vittatoe finished just short of 2,000 passing yards.
Now the team will not only have to replace this talented trio, but also fill other holes in the offense and defense.
"I foresee in spring training an outstanding competition," coach Steve Lineweaver said, especially pointing to the running back positions. "We'll just see who gets in the weight room and gets on the track and develops themselves the most."
Lineweaver said the Trojans might use a committee at running back or switch players to running back from other positions. Juniors Shannon Moore, Shannon Bass and Aisea Babcock played behind Nance and Handy and saw action during Trinity's lopsided wins.
Quarterback Ryan Taggart didn't throw much during the season, but operated the second-team and also punted in the state final.
Taggart will have most of Trinity's top wideouts returning, as Robert Davila, Marcus King and Jordan Scoggins are all juniors.
"Ryan is the front-runner -- he's earned it," Lineweaver said.
"He's got the nice size, the touch and has learned a lot. He's been a backup on the varsity for two years. I know he'll be anxious to get at the helm."
Said Taggart: "With the state championship, there is more pressure. We're going to work out a lot over the summer. I've been waiting two years to be the starter."
Defensively, the Trojans rotated many players on the defensive line and at linebacker, giving many young players experience early and keeping players fresh during the playoff run. Trinity does lose defensive end Henry Niutei and linebackers Siosaia Moeakiola and Ryan Foster.
Three of four defensive backs -- Matt Steward, Sione Vaitai and Torrey Pinkerton -- are seniors, leaving only cornerback Mike Smith.
IN THE KNOW
On the defense
Here's what to look for next season from Trinity, this season's Class 5A Division I champion:
Key losses: RB Dimitri Nance, LaDerrick Handy, QB Trevor Vittatoe, DE Henry Niutei, S Sione Vaitai
Key returners: TE Jordan Scoggins (right), WR Robert Davila, DL Alex Kautai, K Pery Negreiros
Key stats: Handy, Nance and Vittatoe combined for 7,179 yards of total offense and 96 total touchdowns. ... Nance finishes his career with 5,262 yards rushing. ... Vittatoe ends his 2-year stint at starting quarterback with a 24-5 record, the most wins of any quarterback in school history. ... The senior class leaves with a 33-7 record in three years, including a 19-2 district record and only three home losses. ... Trinity's top JV team went 8-2 during the year, including an undefeated district season.