Experience makes Tornadoes a playoff contender
TRENTON >> There’s a real sense of anticipation at Trenton High these days, and it doesn’t just concern the fact its beautiful new school is set to open in September.
Front and center is the Tornadoes’ football team, which has returned a host of quality seniors after posting five wins a year ago and advancing to the playoffs for the second straight season.
“With all of these players back we’re ahead of where we have been,” said coach Greg Hyslop. “There’s less teaching because the players already know the system. The players have been real quick to pick up what we want to do.”
As usual, Trenton is not lacking for size and speed. You also know the Tornadoes will play tough, physical defense. As such, much will depend on its ability to consistently find the end zone.
Senior James Hubbard has taken over the quarterback duties and will hand the ball off to the likes of junior Ari Jenkins, sophomore Jermaine Tillery and senior Jaron Encarcion.
Jenkins and Tillery are both fast with Tillery filling more of the scatback role. Encarcion is a fullback and the lead blocker on many of the team’s plays.
The team also has weapons at wide receiver with senior Lavar Funderburg (6-3, 185) and junior Kazir Brown (6-1, 190).
Trenton traditionally likes to establish the run first and has the capability of pushing many teams around. Among the top offensive lineman are seniors Shaun Balkcom (6-2, 240) and Zamir Travers (61, 300).
Turning to the defense, linemen include Balkcom, senior Kayshaun Massey, sophomore Jarrel McEwen and Travers. The linebacking corps consists of Jenkins along with seniors Kyle Anderson, Greg King and Encarcion.
Running the ball against this group will not be easy. The same goes for throwing it against a talent secondary consisting of Brown, seniors Tyquil Anderson, Paynn Robinson and Jazzir Merricks.
Senior Ricky Brown will man sort of a hybrid position as a linebacker/safety, while Hubbard and Tillery add even more depth to a talented group that’s strong in both run support and coverage.
There’s also experience in the kicking game with Ricky Brown and senior punter Jorge Ramos.
“Our players are really excited for the season,” said Hyslop. “The new school will help logistically in terms of practicing and everything. This is also a very tight group. They know what’s possible. As a coach it’s really good to see their positive attitude.”
Trenton’s schedule is more or less the same with the addition of Marlboro in its season opener. Returning to the playoffs should not be much of a problem, but what the team would really like to do is get its win total up to seven or better and advance in the postseason.