The secret is out.
Trinity can no longer sneak up on opponents. Not after a 7-4 season that was the school’s best in years.
It was also the first season for coach Kevin Gillespie. The Bulldogs thrived off their underdog status and star running back John McEachin said more than once that Trinity wasn’t getting respect. They don’t have to worry about that anymore. And Gillespie doesn’t mind.
“That’s okay,” Gillespie said. “When you’re building a program, that’s the level you want to get to. When people are going to play you, they know they had better be prepared. That’s what we want people to think of Trinity.”
The Bulldogs play in the Tri-County 3-A Conference, one of the toughest in the state with the likes of Ragsdale, Eastern Randolph and High Point Central. There were three playoff slots available last year and those three got them.
“We know what we’re up against,” Gillespie said. “Those teams don’t rebuild, they reload. There’s a lot of good football teams in our conference.”
With the new expanded playoff system, six Tri-County teams will qualify, increasing Trinity’s chances. It’s safe to say that everybody now knows about McEachin, who exploded on the scene as a sophomore to with 1,625 yards rushing and 280 more receiving. McEachin (5-10, 185) runs with a combination of power and speed. The tailback is crucial in Gillespie’s system. A former assistant at Ledford, Gillespie has been heavily influenced by retired Thomasville coach Allen Brown and Glenn coach Dickie Cline. The tailback can count on getting the ball a lot and McEachin held up well last year.
To illustrate how much Gillespie depends on McEachin, there are only two other running backs listed on the Trinity roster — juniors Jeremy Beamon (5-9, 175) and John Jordan (5-10, 170). They share the fullback duties.
“Definitely, he’s a good player,” Gillespie said of McEachin.
Directing the offense is senior quarterback Brett Andrews (6-0, 170), a three-year starter. A fine all around athlete who plays with a lot of poise, Andrews threw for 800 yards and nine touchdowns last year.
But Gillespie has major concerns, namely a relatively young offensive line as only one starter returns.
“I’d like to think that our offense is going to be good with John and Brett,” Gillespie said. “But the key is the guys up front.”
Gillespie has put together a line through a combination of promotions from the junior varsity, switching players over from the defense and someone who didn’t play last year.
Anchoring the line is senior left tackle Adam Varner (6-1, 225), the lone returning starter.
“Adam is a very important player for us,” Gillespie said.
The right tackle is senior Adam McPherson (6-3, 255), who did not play last year. The right guard is converted defender Garland Currin (6-2, 235), while sophomore Miles Grooms (5-10, 210) is the left guard, moving up from the junior varsity. Sophomore center David Hayes (6-0, 210) also played on the junior varsity last year.
“We have the potential for a very solid offensive line,” Gillespie said. “But it’s going to take time.”
Returning at tight end is senior Riley Edwards (6-1, 195).
“Riley is a very good weapon for us,” Gillespie said.
The wide receivers are seniors Dusty Rebert (5-9, 160), Zach Harrison (5-10, 145) and Robert Bullion (5-11, 165). Rebert is a transfer for Thomasville, where he started at wider receiver and was a backup at quarterback.
“He came over here and stepped right into the rotation,” Gillespie said. “He’s got some good experience.”
Gillespie has two starters returning on his defensive line in senior tackles Tim Watkins (6-0, 225) and Michael Trembush (6-4, 285).
The nose guard is junior Brandon Newsome (5-11, 205), who played on the junior varsity last year. Playing at defensive end is junior Brandon Smith (6-1, 185).
All three starting linebackers are new though junior Chris Stevens (5-10, 170) saw some action last year.
Junior David Idol (6-2, 185) is a converted tight end and junior Jessey Causey (6-1, 195) played on the junior varsity last year.
The class of the defensive backs is senior Thaddius Tillman (5-10, 165), who led the team with three interceptions last year.
Senior Josh Misenheimer (5-10, 185) saw some action last year while seniors Michael Hodgson (6-1, 180) and Corey Adams (6-0, 160) have varsity experience, just at different positions. Hodgson was a wide receiver last year and Adams was a linebacker.
Gillespie said the players asked to switch to a different side of the ball are handling it well.
“So far it’s going pretty good,” Gillespie said. “Whatever it takes to help the team, they’re willing to do it.”
Handling the place-kicking duties will be junior Tyler Stanley (6-1, 150). Andrews will again do the punting.
SCHEDULE:
Aug. 30...........EAST DAVIDSON
Sept. 6............at Southern Guilford
Sept. 13..........WESTERN HARNETT
Sept. 20..........RANDLEMAN
Sept. 27...........ASHEBORO*
Oct. 4...............at Eastern Randolph*
Oct. 11.............HIGH POINT CENTRAL*
Oct. 18.............at Southwest Randolph*
Oct. 25..............UNION PINES*
Nov. 1...............SOUTHEAST GUILFORD*
Nov. 8...............at Ragsdale*
*denotes conference game
CAPS - home game
ABOVE: Trinity head coach Kevin Gillespie
BELOW:Trinity senior offensive lineman David Hayes (50), junior defensive lineman Justin Page, junior wide receiver Andrew Bullard and junior running back John McEachin are poised for the upcoming 2002 season. (TIMES photo/David Holston)
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