×

Morgantown Trinity making grid comeback

MORGANTOWN — When it comes to OVAC football, there is a new kid on the block.

Morgantown Trinity is ushering in the gridiron sport this season for the first time since 2009. The Warriors will feature a 20-plus member squad and will be coached by Marcus Law.

Trinity will tackle a nine-game schedule with one OVAC school (Steubenville Catholic) on the Warriors’ initial slate.

Law comes to Trinity after serving as an assistant last year at Morgantown High. He brings instant credibility to his new assignment as he was a star at Canal Fulton Northwest, which is located near Canton, before playing defensive back for Rich Rodriguez at WVU from 2002-06.

“It is exciting putting this program together. I am having a blast,” Law said. “We have a bunch of players eager to learn while the administration has been very supportive.”

That support has been reflected by the physical improvements taking place at the school.

A new lighting system is being installed at the field located on the school’s campus. Plans call for a new state-of-the art fieldhouse as well as permanent bleachers in time for the 2020 season.

While Trinity’s facilities are undergoing construction, Law is doing the same with his initial roster.

Currently, the Warriors feature 20 players, eight of those being freshmen.

“I am happy with our numbers. We may add a couple of more players before the season starts. Our classes are pretty well balanced,” Law said. “We are young which is understandable for a new program. We will be relying on our four seniors for experience.

“Our freshman class has good numbers and some nice talent. It is a good foundation for the future,” he added. “I have been tough on them but there is no quit in them either. They are adjusting to what I want.”

Trinity is blessed to have a talented, albeit youthful, performer at quarterback. Freshman Drew Boczek (5-9, 145) led his junior high team to an 6-2 mark last fall and a berth in the county title game.

“Drew has good quarterback skills. He is a player we can build this program on,” Law said.

Boczek has Ohio Valley roots. His dad, Joe, is a Shadyside High grad and former WVU Sports Information Director.

The running back picture is a bright one.

Senior Nick Beimel (6-0, 175) will be one starter. He will be joined by promising freshman (6-0, 170). He relocated from Youngstown to Morgantown St. Francis last fall.

Backfield depth will come in the form of junior Calvin Blunt Jr. (5-11, 175), sophomore Evan Rice (5-9, 150), and freshmen Levi Teets (5-7, 130) and Johnathan Moore (5-11, 155).

The starting wideouts will likely be a pair of seniors: Josh Rosen (5-11, 170) and Fletcher Hartstock (6-5, 185). Junior Mason Steptoe (5-10, 150) is also in the mix.

Additional wideout depth is supplied by sophomore Harrison Linkous (6-1, 160) and freshmen Gavin Jackson (5-10, 140), Josiah Whitted (6-2, 160) and Ethan Jorge (5-7, 130).

Trinity lists no tight end on its roster.

The Warriors’ offensive line numbers just six performers but boasts decent size with three of the blockers checking in at 225 pounds or more.

Senior Turner Lawrence (5-10, 255) will be an anchor up front while juniors Grant Maxwell (6-0, 170) and Kyler Grimes (5-10, 195) are also likely starters.

The balance of the line will come from sophomores Carter Anderson (6-1, 160), and Brekken Swafford (5-10, 260) along with freshman Matt Gadd (6-6, 225).

Lawrence, Maxwell, Grimes, Gadd and Swafford will also see time on the defensive line.

Anderson, Linkhous and Hartsock will be the Warrior linebackers.

Eldridge, Boczek, Rosen and Beimel are in line to start in the secondary. Blunt Jr., Steptoe and Rice will also see defensive back duty.

Law’s staff includes defensive coordinator Qunetin DeShileds, John Fowkes, Mike Mckenzie, and Brian Wagner.

Chris Simpson and Justin Cotton.

Trinity launches its campaign Friday, hosting Mapletown (Pa.)

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $2.99/week.

Subscribe Today