Heading into week four, the Trenton High School varsity football team appears to be hitting on all cylinders. They are healthy, they are coming off a big win and they are focused.
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“We have had a great week of practice,” Head Coach Wes Croy said. “This group of kids are working hard and to this point have not let things outside of football distract them.”
The Bulldogs manhandled Putnam County in week three and will host the Mid-Buchanan Dragons on Friday night.
“After a big win, I always worry about the kids getting too high and not refocusing,” Croy said. “At least in practice it doesn’t seem a problem for this team. We are proud of the way we played. With that said, we also know we are not a finished product. There are always technique things that can be improved.”
Mid-Buch Special Teams
The first thing that jumped out at the THS coaches this week is the Mid-Buch special teams three touchdowns against Lawson. Senior Jayse Clinton (17), 5-10, 170 pounds, is the key as he returns both kickoff and punts.
“They are very good on special teams,” Croy said. “We have been improving each week and we will have to be better against them or they could hurt us.”
Clinton is very athletic and could prove to be a big problem for the Bulldogs in the open field. THS must also account for fellow returnman Chaz Robbins (30), a 5-7, 155-pound junior.
The Dragons have shown a reverse earlier in the year that went for big yards, something the Bulldogs will want to watch for again.
Trenton’s Offense
Trenton’s offense has topped the 300-yard mark in two of its first three games, including last week when the Bulldogs gained 392 total yards.
“I have been pretty pleased with our offense,” Croy said. “Of course we could improve. Our backs still need to improve their timing, our receivers need to stock-block better and our linemen need to be lower and stay on their blocks better.”
A key for THS will be its offensive line play. Mid-Buchanan defensive tackle Brody Riddell (59), 6-3, 305 pounds, and defensive end Jesse Engelken (3), 6-5, 210 pounds, could prove difficult.
The Dragons’ three linebackers are very aggressive. Senior middle linebacker Scott Morrissey (69), 6-2, 215 pounds, is the best of the group.
“Our line will have to do a good job of controlling Mid-Buch’s big three on defense,” Croy said. “Morrissey, Riddell and Engelken are all good players.”
The Dragons base out of a 5-3 defense that is similar to what THS does defensively.
“Our kids should be pretty comfortable with it because they played against it all through fall practice,” Croy said. “It will cause us some problems, but it also will open up some other things for us. That is the strength of our offense. On paper it has an answer for everything defense can throw at us.”
Trenton’s Defense
The key for Mid-Buch is the play of Clinton, the Dragons’ quarterback. Clinton makes things happened for Mid-Buch. According to the Trenton coaches, he runs well and is capable of throwing on the run.
“Our defense has played very well so far this season,” Croy said. “Last week against Putnam County we tackled very well. It will be important that we do a good job again this week.”
Trenton’s defense has only allowed 20 points so far this season, including last week’s shutout of Putnam County.
The Black and Gold has forced teams into nine turnovers so far this season. Trenton’s pass defense appears to have improved this season as Trenton’s secondary is allowing just over 62 yards a game through the air.
Last week, Trenton’s defense did not allow a single play over 20 yards.
The Dragons use a multiple-set offense and like to throw deep passes to Engelken and junior Caleb Delaney (12), 6-1, 170 pounds. Sophomore Shane Andriano (4), 5-11, 155 pounds, and senior Andrew Brewer (2), 5-7, 140 pounds, provide the Dragons with speed at the wide receiver spots.
The loss of their first-team running back Courtney Wheeler will set back the Dragons. Wheeler has reportedly broken his leg.
The Dragons’ offensive line is anchored by the Riddell twins. The juniors both tip the scales at over 200 pounds. Dylan Riddell (72) is 6-3 and 215 pounds, while Brody Riddell (59) is 6-3 and 305 pounds.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at C.F. Russell Stadium.