Photos Andy Calvert
The Trion Bulldogs had a stellar 2023 season, finishing with an 11-1 record, and advancing to the 2nd round of the state playoffs. They lost an overtime thriller against Elbert County but brought home the program’s first region championship since 2003 and went undefeated in the regular season for the first time since 1974.
Trion played against Dalton in the spring and scrimmaged against Heard County during the summer to prepare for what Head Coach Sean Patrick hopes is a title-defending season in 2024.
“Our kids got a lot of valuable experience playing against Dalton in the spring,” said Patrick. “We have a lot of kids that are going to have to step up this season to achieve our goals, but they were excited about how they performed against them (Dalton), and I think that experience along with the Heard County scrimmage will go a long way in preparing us for the upcoming season.
Coach Patrick’s goals for Trion this upcoming year are simple.
“We want to win a state title. I think that should be the ultimate goal for any team. We want to bust through that 2nd round threshold that we have been in for years on end. We want to go to the Benz and hoist that trophy at the end of the season.”
The name of the game is up front growth for Trion. For many teams, getting the best five up front is crucial.
“There is still growth needed up front,” says Patrick. “We lost three starters on the O-line. I’m proud of the growth this offseason, but there is still work that needs to continue to be done. Our kids need to do a better job at being leaders, not only on the field but vocally as well.”
Trion is multiple on offense and defense. Throwing out multiple formations on both sides of the ball has been a huge part of their program.
“Praise God we have had some success on offense. This is year five of my tenure here, and we have averaged plenty of points over the past few years. Overall, I guess we are a spread, but we will get into multiple different sets if we need to. Defensively, we are in year two of our system, and we have only given up 12 points a game last year, so I would say we are doing a pretty good job as a staff getting these guys to reach their potential.”
While Trion graduated a few big names this past year, they still have a few guys who will make a massive impact. They kept Kade Smith, their four-year starting QB who according to Coach Patrick, is like having another coach on the field. He continues to build on his record-breaking career at Trion, breaking his own passing record time and time again. Logan Stokes, 1st team all-AJC last season who plays TE and DE, will come back for his senior campaign. Aiden Wright and Brock Payton will anchor the offensive line for Trion. Ethan Willingham is a WR/DB who is looking forward to a great senior year. Christian Henderson, who ran for three touchdowns against Dalton in the spring, looks to have a good season at running back. Cam Durham, a three-year starter, and Dylan Strickland will headline the linebacker core.
The Bulldogs have the depth, talent, and leadership to compete for another region championship and could finally break through the 2nd round ceiling in the playoffs in 2024.#trion #bulldogs #high school football preview
