Last year, the Trenton High School varsity football team entered week seven contest with Bishop LeBlond riding a six-game winning streak.
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The Eagles took advantage of four THS turnovers and Trenton’s inability to make plays on offense as they beat the Bulldogs, 24-14.
Things began to unravel for Trenton after that loss in St. Joseph as THS went on to lose three of its last four games. Over that stretch the offense saw its production cut by over half while the defense was gashed for over 400 yards against LeBlond, Macon and Brookfield.
This season, the Bulldogs face the same three teams over the same three-game span and, according to Head Coach Wes Croy, Trenton is looking forward to the opportunity to compete.
“Things were actually beginning to fall apart the two weeks previous (last year),” Croy said. “We struggled in the two games leading up to LeBlond, but in those games we played just well enough to win.”
Trenton’s Offense
This year the Bulldogs come into the LeBlond game playing well on both offense and defense. THS is mainly healthy and is riding the confidence of having a full year under Croy.
“I think the boys are more confident,” Croy said. “They have a better idea of what we expect and that makes a lot of difference. Last season Derek (Miller) was playing in his first game back after an injury. This season Derek is in complete control of our offense.”
The Bulldogs will look to continue to build on their success so far this season. The Bulldogs have gained over 350 yards in each of the first six games. The Eagles’ defense has not been their strength so far this season. The Eagles have surrendered at least three touchdowns in all but one of their games this season, and have twice given up over 30 points
“Expect us to come out and try and do what we always try and do – run the ball,” Croy said. “Our line play will be key for us. Offensively, we want to try and help our defense by keeping the ball out of LeBlond’s hands.”
Last season, Trenton was not able to control the ball against LeBlond. The Black and Gold turned the ball over four times and was unable to convert in key situations.
“We just didn’t make plays,” Croy said. “LeBlond had a lot to do with that, but I believe things may have been different if we would have just executed a little better.”
The Eagles’ defense got a big boost last week when junior linebackers Alex Bridges (49) and Tyler Irizarry (27) returned. The two middle linebackers played well in the win over Pembroke Hill.
The Eagles’ strength lies with their linebackers and defensive backs. LeBlond features several good players, including Bridges, Irizarry and senior safety Mark Lawhon (10).
“Last season I thought LeBlond had some good linemen and they are solid again this season. But their linebackers and defensive backs are excellent,” Croy said. “Our goal against the 4-4 defense is to get a hat-on-a-hat and then try to make plays.”
Covering The Pass
Look for LeBlond to let the football fly on Friday night. The Eagles, who have already passed for 1,271 yards this season, feature a very explosive spread offense.
Senior quarterback Kurt Morin (7) has been holding down the fort with fellow senior Lawhon while Bridges and Irizarry were out.
Lawhon has pulled down 54 passes for over 700 yards. Last week, the return of Irizarry and Bridges had a big impact last week in the their first game back. Irizarry rushed for 139 yards and Bridges is an excellent blocker.
“This is a team that got a lot better last week when Irizarry and Bridges came back,” Croy said. “Last week was the first time this season the Eagles had all their weapons and they were unstoppable in the first half, scoring 35 points.”
The Eagles will use several different formations and the THS coaching staff noted that Eagles rarely run the same combination of routes more than once in a game.
That makes preparation very hard on the defense. This week, Trenton has to first align correctly and then, once the ball is caught, make the play.
“Throwing the ball is what they do,” Croy said. “They are going to catch the ball, we know that, but we have to make the play once they catch it.”
Even though most of LeBlond’s damage has come through the air, the Bulldogs’ first priority will be stopping the run. Defensive Coordinator Jon Adwell said Trenton will look to make LeBlond a one-dimensional team by stopping the run.
“The first thing we want to do is stop the run,” Adwell said. “Control the line of scrimmage and not let them hurt us with the run.”
If the Eagles are able to run and pass both, the Bulldogs will struggle on defense. According to Adwell, the Bulldogs must stop the run so they can focus on pass coverage.
LeBlond’s spread offense takes advantage of the Eagles’ good athletes by getting them into a space. The key for the Eagles will be Morin’s ability to get the ball out to his receivers quickly and allowing them to make plays. On the flip side, THS will try to contain their receivers.
“They are going to catch the ball,” Adwell said. “Our focus is keeping the receiver in front of defense and then converging on them. All week, and in fact all season, we have preached limiting the yards after the catch (Y.A.C.). The key on Friday will be the Y.A.C. If they have a lot of yards after the catch, we will be in trouble.”
The game is scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m. The gates will open to the public at 5:15 p.m.