Photos Ivan Felipe
Trion finished last season 10-3, 2-2 in the region. Both region losses were to Bowdon and Manchester, both reaching the final four and beyond. They would make the quarterfinals, before falling to Irwin County in the Elite 8.
“We had a really experienced group. We had a lot of all state kids and starters come back. We had high expectations; every team that we lost to went to the state semifinals. Our kids never got rattled; they played mature in everything,” said Head Coach Sean Patrick.
Trion loses 18 starters from last season to graduation, which is an extremely high number.
“I think we have to be consistent and patient. We have to be leaders and teachers, and we are trying to put these kids in game-like scenarios. Sometimes, things don’t go according to the script. We have to adjust on the fly, and that is a part of being a football player.”
The spring and summer has been very physical for the Dawgs. “We had to go back to the drawing board with the lack of experience we had. We had to beat on them this spring. We know that we have inexperience; there are a lot of question marks, and it has been cool to see our kids grow just throughout this time. We have to continue to get better daily.”
With a program that has consistent success, there comes high expectations. “We have to strive to get better as a program and team everyday. Being consistent and finding ways to get better is needed. There is a standard in this program, no matter how many kids graduate. We have to know who we are as a program and achieve our full potential.”
“At the end of the day, we work so hard. Fridays in the fall should be fun. If it ever gets to the point where it’s not fun, I’ll find something else to do. These are long days, and I hope our kids have fun in the fall as well. I want people to see kids that have fun playing football, and that they love each other and play for each other, and to reach their full potential.”
While there is a lot to replace, there are a lot of guys who could take the next step and be “put in the fire.” Christian Henderson is going to be back and healthy at linebacker and running back, and Bryson Roberts will be back at receiver and defensive back. Mike Lee is going to be a leader in the trenches. Clayton Lawford will be a leader, and Link Allen will take over at quarterback; the first new starting quarterback in four years. Gavin Stivers, Staven Gardner, JC Morales, will all fill in huge voids that are certainly needed after last year.
While there is a plethora of youth for Coach Patrick and his squad, one thing is for sure; they are a scrappy bunch, and will certainly be competitive in all phases.
