The Shamrocks (5-5) host their second round playoff game with the Manual Crimsons (9-2) this Friday evening. The kickoff set for 7:30PM. The Crimsons thrashed Ballard (5-6) 41-0 & the Shamrocks handled the Eastern Eagles (4-6) 49-16. This contest is a rematch of the October 11 game won by Trinity 38-30.

 

In action this past Friday versus Eastern, Trinity’s junior RB Donald Brooks gained 153 yards on 14 rushing attempts. Sophomore RB Jalen Reed added 108 yards on only 6 carries and scored three touchdowns. Senior QB Reggie Bonnafon added 87 yards on 6 rushing attempts. The Shamrocks amassed 404 rushing yards on 42 attempts as a team. Bonnafon attempted 4 passes and completed 2 for 33 yards and one touchdown. Trinity did not attempt a punt.

 

Trinity defense will be expected to keep Manual’s offense in check. In the October meeting, the Crimsons QB burned the Trinity defense for 400+ passing yards. The Manual star RB was held to less than 50 yards rushing. The Manual staff will need to devise a plan to slow down Trinity’s offense. This will be a game with plenty of outstanding players on both sides. The staff that gets the better execution of their game plan will be the winner.

 

Past Opponents still alive: Moeller (10-1) soundly defeated the Bombers of Cincinnati St. Xavier (5-6) 42-17 to advance on Ohio Division 1. The Crusaders will play Elder (9-2). Male (10-1) defeated Oldham County (2-9) and will host the Tigers of St. Xavier. St. Xavier stands at 7-4 after their defeat of Fern Creek (6-5). Indianapolis Cathedral stands at 7-5 after their 56-13 defeat of Anderson (4-7) in Indianapolis. The Irish take on Whiteland (9-2) on November 15. Cincinnati Colerain (11-0) remained undefeated with a win over Springboro (9-2). The Cardinals will play Pickerington Central (8-2). Carmel (9-3) defeated Ft. Wayne Carroll (9-3) in their second round game 38-7. The Greyhounds visit Mishawaka Penn (12-0) this week. After a bye week, Ensworth (8-1) hosts Christian Brothers (6-5) in the Tennessee large school private division playoffs.

 

Future Playoff Opponents: The St. Xavier at Male survivor is the third round opponent for Trinity or Manual on November 22. Undefeated Scott County (11-0) looms as the round 4 opponent the day after Thanksgiving. McCracken County (9-2) and Simon Kenton (11-0) are the favorites to reach the semi-final for Semi-State 1.

 

Trinity tidbits: The Shamrocks win over Eastern raised their all-time record to 35-2 versus the Eagles. Trinity leads the Manual series 25-9. Trinity has scored in 217 games dating to October 1998. Trinity has lost one 6A playoff game. That defeat came to St. Xavier in the 2009 State Championship game. Trinity is 30-1 in 6A post-season competition. The Rocks all time playoff record is 126-21 including 22-4 in title games.

Practice has been awesome so far this week. Coach Beatty is at his motivational best this time of year. I witnessed a high five given to an offensive lineman for a well-played series. I saw "knuckles' given to several other players performing well. I also saw the usual treatment for less than stellar performances. I am not sure how is vocal chords survive! Everyday is a new experience for the wide-eyed freshmen who received the call up for varsity practice during the playoffs.