2015 WPIAL football season preview: Trinity

Trinity: 4-5 (3-5 Class AAA Big Nine Conference)
When a new coaching staff takes over a program, change is inevitable. Couple that with a strong senior class leaving and you’ll get plenty of competition in preseason camp. When I visit schools to watch practice and gather information for our football tabloid – which will be released in Tuesday’s edition – one of the questions I ask coaches is projected starters on offense and defense. First-year head coach Jon Miller did not give me much and that’s to be expected. First impressions are everything and we spoke at the conclusion of heat acclimation practices. I did obtain a little bit of info, though.
Sure, senior Garrett Briant is penciled in as the starting quarterback, but Miller made sure to mention that sophomore Dylan Kern, who looked impressive during the heat acclimation practice I watched. Both made nice throws during the practice I saw and seemed comfortable running the Hillers’ new offensive system.
Another name Miller made sure to mention: sophomore Joey Koroly. The 6-0, 165-pound tailback had a breakout season last fall and should be the centerpiece of Trinity’s offense. He’s a kid that former head coach Ryan Coyle raved about and even coaches from other programs have spoken highly of. Another name to look out for is sophomore tailback Nick Welsh.
The key for the Hillers’ offense is the offensive line, which returns Mac Chambers, Toby Cullings and Brandon Wolfe. Trey Banco, Jacob Dobich and Ben Phillis were competing for the other two spots. This is a strong group that will make the offense much better than people expect. Look for Trinity to play faster in 2015 and I like their Week 1 matchup against Belle Vernon. The Hillers will be a sneaky team in the Big 10. Thomas Jefferson and Ringgold are the top contenders for the conference title, but the other two playoff spots are wide open. Obviously, West Mifflin is a favorite to grab a spot based on repuation and the return of quarterback Karlyn Garner, but Laurel Highlands, Belle Vernon and the Hillers are definitely in the mix.
If Trinity is going to make it back to the WPIAL playoffs, defense will be key. The Hillers allowed more than 30 points per game the past three seasons. In a conference with some of the top offenses in Class AAA, that has to improve. The line will obviously be a strength with the experience back and defensive coordinator Brendon Steele is going to have the linebackers ready. Miller has the reputation as a top defensive coach, so expect a vast improvement.
Players to watch: Joey Koroly, Garrett Briant, Sam Trapuzzano, Nick Welsh, Josh Durig
Biggest game: It’s difficult to pick one, but I think Week 1 at Belle Vernon is as big as it gets. The Hillers will want a fast start to the season because they face a very difficult Laurel Highlands team in Week 2 and finish the regular season with West Mifflin and Ringgold. An upset over the Leopards could potentially help Trinity start with three or four wins before facing Thomas Jefferson.
Stat to think about: The Hillers averaged just 14.8 points per game over the past two seasons when facing opponents with at least a .500 winning percentage.