Expectations High For Triton Trojans
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Anthony [email protected]
"There are definitely higher expectations for this football team, but the players also have a sense that they want to take it to the next level," eighth-year Trojans coach Rodney Younis said. "At our team camp a couple of weeks ago, you could see the kids have that desire."[[In-content Ad]]Triton's first sectional title in school history came two years ago, with a 36-21 win over South Newton. Last season, the Trojans once again got the best of South Newton, winning 23-21, but Younis is aware that many of those players are now gone.
"We have a lot of shoes to fill," the coach said. "But that's breathing life into these kids."
Among the players gone from last year's team are linebacker Zack Clark, as well Class A, all-state defensive lineman Blake Hoffer and all-state tight end Zac Moriarty.
However, Younis points to the graduation of safety Dustin Kreft as one of the biggest losses.
"We're really going to miss Dustin," Younis said. "Last season, he returned punts, was a wing-back and also played strong safety. He did a little bit of everything for us."
But the cupboard isn't empty at Triton as the 2008 Times-Union Offensive Player of the Year, senior Adam Creighbaum, returns.
Along with being named as a junior all-state punter, Creighbaum's major contribution is at runningback, where last year he rushed for 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns.
"He's doing a great job of leading this team, but others have also stepped up," Younis said of Creighbaum.
The job of quarterback for the Wing-T offense may be split between junior Dane Kennedy and sophomore Zak Shively.
"Right now, Dane has the advantage, having played last year," Younis said. "Zak is probably more agile, but Dane may throw better."
Also joining Creighbaum in the backfield will be Ethan Rutherford, while Neil Robinson fills the fullback role.
At wide receiver, Zeth Hoffer returns, and will be joined by Jordan Koontz and Darrick Ameigh.
Moriarty's vacated position will be filled by junior newcomer Griffyn Carpenter.
"He has amazing hands," Younis said about the 6-foot-1, 195-pound Carpenter.
Along the offensive line, Dylan Senff and Derek Elliott will man the guard positions, while the tackle spots will be occupied by Taylor Sahlhoff, Aaron Haines or Alex Martin.
An old face will be back at center, as senior Brett Houlihan returns to the team.
"He started as a sophomore, but didn't play last year, but he's back," Younis said of Houlihan.
Unlike the offensive side of the ball, where nine players return, the defense is a little more inexperienced.
"At defensive back, Zeth Hoffer is our only returner," Younis said. "We'll also have Darrick Ameigh, Derek Sellers and Dane Kennedy."
Taran Kennedy will bring experience to the linebacking corp., being joined by Creighbaum, Robinson and Senff.
While he tries to fit the defensive pieces together, Younis will also look for ways to compete in the Northern State Conference, where the Trojans are the smallest school.
"I feel the conference is wide open," he said. "Jimtown is always Jimtown. So, until someone knocks them off, they'll always be the frontrunner. John Glenn will also be good, and there's also New Prairie, who reloads each year. There really isn't going to be a weak team in the NSC. It should be an interesting year."
But before entering the conference schedule, Triton will look to get off to a good start against Caston on Friday at home, beginning at 7 p.m., followed by a home game against Northfield the following week.
"It's nice to have the first two games at home," Younis said. "We're definitely looking to get off to a good start, even in the nonconference. Last year, when we beat (Caston), they started young kids, and we graduated 10 defensive players."
"We're going to be looking for consistency," Younis added. "We need to win the turnover battle. That's going to be a big key."
Latest News
E-Editions
"There are definitely higher expectations for this football team, but the players also have a sense that they want to take it to the next level," eighth-year Trojans coach Rodney Younis said. "At our team camp a couple of weeks ago, you could see the kids have that desire."[[In-content Ad]]Triton's first sectional title in school history came two years ago, with a 36-21 win over South Newton. Last season, the Trojans once again got the best of South Newton, winning 23-21, but Younis is aware that many of those players are now gone.
"We have a lot of shoes to fill," the coach said. "But that's breathing life into these kids."
Among the players gone from last year's team are linebacker Zack Clark, as well Class A, all-state defensive lineman Blake Hoffer and all-state tight end Zac Moriarty.
However, Younis points to the graduation of safety Dustin Kreft as one of the biggest losses.
"We're really going to miss Dustin," Younis said. "Last season, he returned punts, was a wing-back and also played strong safety. He did a little bit of everything for us."
But the cupboard isn't empty at Triton as the 2008 Times-Union Offensive Player of the Year, senior Adam Creighbaum, returns.
Along with being named as a junior all-state punter, Creighbaum's major contribution is at runningback, where last year he rushed for 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns.
"He's doing a great job of leading this team, but others have also stepped up," Younis said of Creighbaum.
The job of quarterback for the Wing-T offense may be split between junior Dane Kennedy and sophomore Zak Shively.
"Right now, Dane has the advantage, having played last year," Younis said. "Zak is probably more agile, but Dane may throw better."
Also joining Creighbaum in the backfield will be Ethan Rutherford, while Neil Robinson fills the fullback role.
At wide receiver, Zeth Hoffer returns, and will be joined by Jordan Koontz and Darrick Ameigh.
Moriarty's vacated position will be filled by junior newcomer Griffyn Carpenter.
"He has amazing hands," Younis said about the 6-foot-1, 195-pound Carpenter.
Along the offensive line, Dylan Senff and Derek Elliott will man the guard positions, while the tackle spots will be occupied by Taylor Sahlhoff, Aaron Haines or Alex Martin.
An old face will be back at center, as senior Brett Houlihan returns to the team.
"He started as a sophomore, but didn't play last year, but he's back," Younis said of Houlihan.
Unlike the offensive side of the ball, where nine players return, the defense is a little more inexperienced.
"At defensive back, Zeth Hoffer is our only returner," Younis said. "We'll also have Darrick Ameigh, Derek Sellers and Dane Kennedy."
Taran Kennedy will bring experience to the linebacking corp., being joined by Creighbaum, Robinson and Senff.
While he tries to fit the defensive pieces together, Younis will also look for ways to compete in the Northern State Conference, where the Trojans are the smallest school.
"I feel the conference is wide open," he said. "Jimtown is always Jimtown. So, until someone knocks them off, they'll always be the frontrunner. John Glenn will also be good, and there's also New Prairie, who reloads each year. There really isn't going to be a weak team in the NSC. It should be an interesting year."
But before entering the conference schedule, Triton will look to get off to a good start against Caston on Friday at home, beginning at 7 p.m., followed by a home game against Northfield the following week.
"It's nice to have the first two games at home," Younis said. "We're definitely looking to get off to a good start, even in the nonconference. Last year, when we beat (Caston), they started young kids, and we graduated 10 defensive players."
"We're going to be looking for consistency," Younis added. "We need to win the turnover battle. That's going to be a big key."
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092