Here we go… Year 1 of the Dustin Trimnell era for the Scott Eagles. After finishing 3-7 in 2025 and missing the playoffs with a 5th place district finish, there is definitely a different feeling around Eagle Stadium heading into 2026. Nobody around Taylor Mill is pretending the turnaround happens overnight, but there is real belief that Scott football is finally moving in the right direction again.

The expectation around the program is simple: compete every Friday night, get back into the playoffs, and bring Scott football back to a winning record for the first time since 2021 when the Eagles were still in 4A. From everything coming out of offseason workouts and spring ball, this staff has brought a completely different energy and attention to detail to the program. One of the biggest things I’ve heard from people around the team is how much more invested this coaching staff is in developing players on BOTH sides of the ball, especially defensively where Scott has struggled at times over the last few seasons.

When I think about the 2026 Scott Eagles, the word that comes to mind is EXPERIENCE. The junior class has a ton of varsity reps already under their belts, and now the question becomes whether that experience can translate into wins.

The biggest loss for Scott is obviously QB Trey Cook, who threw for over 2,500 yards and 31 touchdowns in 2025. Replacing that production is not going to be easy. The Eagles also lose Ben Smiddy, who will continue his football career at Thomas More. Losing leadership and production like that always leaves questions heading into a new season.

But Scott definitely returns some serious talent.

Justin Hardy returns at TE/LB after finishing top 50 in 5A receiving with 40 catches for 539 yards and 3 touchdowns. Hardy is one of those players who can impact the game on both sides of the ball and should be one of the leaders of this team.

Lucas Tomlin also returns after rushing for 443 yards and 5 touchdowns on 93 carries. Tomlin plays with a physical edge and could end up being one of the more important players on the roster because of the versatility he brings at RB/LB.

Another major weapon returning is Peyton Zinser. Even though he only played 8 games last season, Zinser still hauled in 28 catches for 466 yards and 7 touchdowns, finishing top 50 in 5A receiving. If he stays healthy for a full season, he could put up some huge numbers in this offense.

Other impact returners include Nash Overholser, Kaydenn Marshall, Malachi Snapp, Colton Turner, and Jonah Rector. From what I’ve heard, Kaydenn Marshall has had a really strong offseason and spring ball and looks ready to take a big step forward as one of the more explosive athletes on the roster.

The quarterback situation will probably be one of the biggest storylines going into the summer. Nash Overholser appeared to be QB1 throughout spring ball and took all the reps during the Scott spring game. He seems to have the early lead heading into camp. But one name people keep bringing up is sophomore Zane Murphy. Murphy could potentially see snaps at quarterback or be moved around to another skill position just to get the ball in his hands.

One thing that seems obvious already is this coaching staff wants competition everywhere.

Speaking of the coaching staff, this is basically a complete reset for Scott football. First-year Head Coach Dustin Trimnell brought in an almost entirely new staff, including longtime NewCath defensive coordinator Dave Meadows and offensive coordinator Kevin Eichmann from Turpin. The amount of experience on this staff is impressive, and honestly, it feels like there is finally a real vision for what Scott football wants to become.

The biggest concern for this team probably isn’t talent — it’s adversity. What happens when things go wrong during a game? Last year, Scott had veterans like Trey Cook to steady things when momentum shifted. Now the Eagles have to figure out who steps into that leadership role. That is something that can only really get answered on Friday nights.

The schedule is definitely challenging, but there are several games that feel very winnable. Matchups against Clay County, Bullitt Central, Grant County, Holmes, and Boone County could ultimately decide whether Scott reaches the postseason.

The game everyone already seems to have circled is the October 8th matchup against Boone County. There’s a very real chance the loser of that game could end up on the outside looking in when playoff time arrives.

2026 Schedule:

Home: Campbell County, Clay County, Boone County, Conner, Holmes

Away: GRC (scrimmage), Bishop Brossart (scrimmage), Bullitt Central, Grant County, Bourbon County, Dixie Heights, Cooper

Realistically, with a first-year staff and a tough district, a .500 season would be a strong step forward for this program. But more importantly, Scott fans want to see the Eagles become competitive again every single week.

The culture change has started. Now the question is whether the wins will follow.

Let the discussion begin… Who steps up as the leader of this team? Can the Eagles get back to the playoffs in year one under Coach Trimnell? 

3 hours ago, Hydration-coach83 said:

 

Here we go… Year 1 of the Dustin Trimnell era for the Scott Eagles. After finishing 3-7 in 2025 and missing the playoffs with a 5th place district finish, there is definitely a different feeling around Eagle Stadium heading into 2026. Nobody around Taylor Mill is pretending the turnaround happens overnight, but there is real belief that Scott football is finally moving in the right direction again.

The expectation around the program is simple: compete every Friday night, get back into the playoffs, and bring Scott football back to a winning record for the first time since 2021 when the Eagles were still in 4A. From everything coming out of offseason workouts and spring ball, this staff has brought a completely different energy and attention to detail to the program. One of the biggest things I’ve heard from people around the team is how much more invested this coaching staff is in developing players on BOTH sides of the ball, especially defensively where Scott has struggled at times over the last few seasons.

When I think about the 2026 Scott Eagles, the word that comes to mind is EXPERIENCE. The junior class has a ton of varsity reps already under their belts, and now the question becomes whether that experience can translate into wins.

The biggest loss for Scott is obviously QB Trey Cook, who threw for over 2,500 yards and 31 touchdowns in 2025. Replacing that production is not going to be easy. The Eagles also lose Ben Smiddy, who will continue his football career at Thomas More. Losing leadership and production like that always leaves questions heading into a new season.

But Scott definitely returns some serious talent.

Justin Hardy returns at TE/LB after finishing top 50 in 5A receiving with 40 catches for 539 yards and 3 touchdowns. Hardy is one of those players who can impact the game on both sides of the ball and should be one of the leaders of this team.

Lucas Tomlin also returns after rushing for 443 yards and 5 touchdowns on 93 carries. Tomlin plays with a physical edge and could end up being one of the more important players on the roster because of the versatility he brings at RB/LB.

Another major weapon returning is Peyton Zinser. Even though he only played 8 games last season, Zinser still hauled in 28 catches for 466 yards and 7 touchdowns, finishing top 50 in 5A receiving. If he stays healthy for a full season, he could put up some huge numbers in this offense.

Other impact returners include Nash Overholser, Kaydenn Marshall, Malachi Snapp, Colton Turner, and Jonah Rector. From what I’ve heard, Kaydenn Marshall has had a really strong offseason and spring ball and looks ready to take a big step forward as one of the more explosive athletes on the roster.

The quarterback situation will probably be one of the biggest storylines going into the summer. Nash Overholser appeared to be QB1 throughout spring ball and took all the reps during the Scott spring game. He seems to have the early lead heading into camp. But one name people keep bringing up is sophomore Zane Murphy. Murphy could potentially see snaps at quarterback or be moved around to another skill position just to get the ball in his hands.

One thing that seems obvious already is this coaching staff wants competition everywhere.

Speaking of the coaching staff, this is basically a complete reset for Scott football. First-year Head Coach Dustin Trimnell brought in an almost entirely new staff, including longtime NewCath defensive coordinator Dave Meadows and offensive coordinator Kevin Eichmann from Turpin. The amount of experience on this staff is impressive, and honestly, it feels like there is finally a real vision for what Scott football wants to become.

The biggest concern for this team probably isn’t talent — it’s adversity. What happens when things go wrong during a game? Last year, Scott had veterans like Trey Cook to steady things when momentum shifted. Now the Eagles have to figure out who steps into that leadership role. That is something that can only really get answered on Friday nights.

The schedule is definitely challenging, but there are several games that feel very winnable. Matchups against Clay County, Bullitt Central, Grant County, Holmes, and Boone County could ultimately decide whether Scott reaches the postseason.

The game everyone already seems to have circled is the October 8th matchup against Boone County. There’s a very real chance the loser of that game could end up on the outside looking in when playoff time arrives.

2026 Schedule:

Home: Campbell County, Clay County, Boone County, Conner, Holmes

Away: GRC (scrimmage), Bishop Brossart (scrimmage), Bullitt Central, Grant County, Bourbon County, Dixie Heights, Cooper

Realistically, with a first-year staff and a tough district, a .500 season would be a strong step forward for this program. But more importantly, Scott fans want to see the Eagles become competitive again every single week.

The culture change has started. Now the question is whether the wins will follow.

Let the discussion begin… Who steps up as the leader of this team? Can the Eagles get back to the playoffs in year one under Coach Trimnell? 

That's a great update thank you. I would say it seems insulting to the players and coaches who have been there previously. I'm sure they all worked very hard and tried their best. Which you seem to take shots at repeatedly. I wish them the best and hope they do well!!

6 minutes ago, BBHCEAGLE said:

That's a great update thank you. I would say it seems insulting to the players and coaches who have been there previously. I'm sure they all worked very hard and tried their best. Which you seem to take shots at repeatedly. I wish them the best and hope they do well!!

The previous regime was notoriously not doing these things. 

27 minutes ago, BBHCEAGLE said:

That's a great update thank you. I would say it seems insulting to the players and coaches who have been there previously. I'm sure they all worked very hard and tried their best. Which you seem to take shots at repeatedly. I wish them the best and hope they do well!!

No shots were intended at any former players or coaches, and I have a lot of respect for the people who have poured time and effort into Scott Football over the years. As you said, I'm sure they worked hard and did the best they could with the circumstances they had.

My comments were simply based on the results and trends from previous seasons, which are part of evaluating where a program currently stands and where it needs to improve. That's not meant to be criticism of individuals, just an honest assessment of the program's recent performance.

Given Coach Trimnell's background on the defensive side of the ball, I think it's a fair observation that improving defensively is going to be a major point of emphasis. The numbers and game results from recent years support that. Recognizing areas that need improvement isn't taking a shot at anyone—it's simply acknowledging what needs to happen for the program to move forward.

At the end of the day, everyone involved wants the same thing: for Scott Football to be successful. I have a lot of respect for the players and coaches who came before, and I'm excited to see what this group can accomplish moving forward.

On 5/28/2026 at 9:38 PM, BBHCEAGLE said:

That's a great update thank you. I would say it seems insulting to the players and coaches who have been there previously. I'm sure they all worked very hard and tried their best. Which you seem to take shots at repeatedly. I wish them the best and hope they do well!!

Reading things from my perspective as an outsider, I don't really see the insults to past players and coaches that you seemed to have seen.

"3-7 in 2025 and missing the playoffs with a 5th place district finish"...that's a statement of fact, regardless of whether or not it might sting for the people who were a part of that program when they see it in writing.

Talking about a "turnaround" in the works and saying that "there is real belief that Scott football is finally moving in the right direction again" isn't exactly an insult either.

"Realistically, with a first-year staff and a tough district, a .500 season would be a strong step forward for this program." Considering Scott is at .366 over the last four seasons, combined, I have a hard time seeing this as anything other than another statement of fact.

"But more importantly, Scott fans want to see the Eagles become competitive again every single week." The three teams that Scott beat last year had a combined 9-23 record, combined for zero playoff wins, and combined for only 3 total wins against teams from the same classification (and zero wins against higher-classed teams). Scott allowed 40+ points to their opponents in 4 losses last season, and their offense scored nearly 20% of their total points from the entire season in one game against Holmes - which was a team that was withdrawn from District play, with a roster consisting of 40% freshman players and over 50% underclassmen. That is not being competitive every week, so I don't see where it would be unreasonable for one to assert that Scott fans would like to see the team be competitive every week.

Sure, somebody can come in and kick a program while it's down and go out of their way to insult the players and coaches, but that does not mean that acknowledging the negative aspects of previous seasons automatically equates to an insult. If you ask me, having the ability to acknowledge faults and shortcomings is a definite hallmark of someone who is working towards success. Having the attitude that "oh no, we can't say anything negative about how a team has performed," isn't going to do much help to improve things; it's coddling. If you ask me, talking to coaches, and more importantly talking to athletes - including athletes who are still only in high school - with an honest, frank and direct approach is something we need to see more of in sports.

Scott's move up to 5A, as well their district assignment under the most recent football alignment was obviously a tough pill for the team to swallow. Taking a look at direction the team has taken in the past 9 years, though, and more specifically the direction the team has taken in the past 4 years, I'm with any Scott football fans who are hoping Coach Trimnell gets the program moving in the right direction again and gets them competitive every single week.

2017: 8-4, lost in 2nd round of playoffs
2018: 7-5, lost in 2nd round of playoffs
2019: 8-5, lost in 3rd round of playoffs
2020: 1-5, failed to make playoffs
2021: 8-5, lost in 3rd round of playoffs
2022: 4-7, boat-raced 50-7 in a first round playoff loss
2023: 2-8, failed to make playoffs
2024: 2-8, failed to make playoffs
2025: 3-7, failed to make playoffs

Bump.

I honestly see 1 or maybe 2 wins for them. OL is not up to par.  Defense will have to play a lot. Also not a favorable schedule. 

Truthfully, my prediction would be 2-8 for Coach Dustin in year 1 at Scott, hope I am wrong. 

Dan Woolley will go down in history as the most successful coach at Scott? It's all about the culture not adversity, every team has to go thru this. But 5-7 years without a culture is critical to any program. Right now the concertation needs to be on culture, school, and community.

Having an all-star coaching staff doesn't automatically generate wins.

3 hours ago, Hammmer said:

Dan Woolley will go down in history as the most successful coach at Scott? It's all about the culture not adversity, every team has to go thru this. But 5-7 years without a culture is critical to any program. Right now the concertation needs to be on culture, school, and community.

Having an all-star coaching staff doesn't automatically generate wins.

I don't disagree with him saying Coach Woolley is the most successful coach in Scott history. Just look at the record. What they did during that 3-4 year stretch had never been done before, and honestly it hasn't been done since. Before he got there, Scott only won 17 games from 2006-2011 and lost games against teams like Dayton, Bellevue, Grant County, and Holmes they also beat these teams but you get the point . Then from 2012-2018, Woolley won around 49 games and took Scott on the deepest playoff runs in school history.

From everything I could find, the KHSAA scoreboard only goes back to 1998, and during that time Scott's most successful seasons all came under Coach Woolley. He also had the longest tenure as head coach. I don't think that's a coincidence. Stability brings victories. When players know the expectations year after year and the culture stays consistent, programs have a chance to grow instead of starting over every couple of seasons.

I also think you're right that if Scott is going to get back to that level, it's going to take more than just hiring a great coaching staff. It starts with changing the culture, creating stability, getting the school and community behind the program, and having players buy into something bigger than themselves. Better luck with redistricting in the next cycle wouldn't hurt either, but culture and stability have to come first because without those, it's hard to build sustained success.

7 hours ago, Hammmer said:

Dan Woolley will go down in history as the most successful coach at Scott? It's all about the culture not adversity, every team has to go thru this. But 5-7 years without a culture is critical to any program. Right now the concertation needs to be on culture, school, and community.

Having an all-star coaching staff doesn't automatically generate wins.

3 hours ago, Hydration-coach83 said:

I don't disagree with him saying Coach Woolley is the most successful coach in Scott history. Just look at the record. What they did during that 3-4 year stretch had never been done before, and honestly it hasn't been done since. Before he got there, Scott only won 17 games from 2006-2011 and lost games against teams like Dayton, Bellevue, Grant County, and Holmes they also beat these teams but you get the point . Then from 2012-2018, Woolley won around 49 games and took Scott on the deepest playoff runs in school history.

From everything I could find, the KHSAA scoreboard only goes back to 1998, and during that time Scott's most successful seasons all came under Coach Woolley. He also had the longest tenure as head coach. I don't think that's a coincidence. Stability brings victories. When players know the expectations year after year and the culture stays consistent, programs have a chance to grow instead of starting over every couple of seasons.

I also think you're right that if Scott is going to get back to that level, it's going to take more than just hiring a great coaching staff. It starts with changing the culture, creating stability, getting the school and community behind the program, and having players buy into something bigger than themselves. Better luck with redistricting in the next cycle wouldn't hurt either, but culture and stability have to come first because without those, it's hard to build sustained success.

At current, the discussion for who the most successful head coach is in Scott's football program history is a complete non-discussion. Woolley has that locked. For the sake of Scott's football program, moving forward, I'd certainly hope someone manages to contest that. As it stands, though, not only is Woolley the winningest football coach in Scott's program history, but he's also one of only two head coaches to finish their time at Scott with a winning record, and he also holds each of these honors:

- Highest winning percentage in program history as head coach.
- Tied as head coach of the team with the deepest playoff run in program history (3 games).
- Most seasons with playoff appearances (6) in program history.
- Most playoff games (11) in program history as a head coach.
- Tied as head coach with the most playoff wins in program history (4).
- Head coach for 4 of the program's total 9 playoff wins.

Essentially the only program records that Woolley doesn't hold as head football coach at Scott are the first winning season, first playoff win, and the most games as head coach. Woolley was head coach for 80 games over the course of 7 seasons, while Tevis Gray was head coach for 86 games over the course of 8 seasons.

The 2026 football season will be Scott's 49th football season. The overall program record is 149-356 (29.5% winning), and they have a 9-20 (31.0% winning) post-season record.

Dave Browning - 3 seasons
6-24 (20.0% winning)

Tevis Gray - 8 seasons
21-65 (24.4% winning)

Ray Heidorn - 5 seasons
10-41 (19.6% winning)

Jeff McCarthy - 7 seasons
12-58 (17.1% winning)

RJ Riegler - 4 seasons
8-34 (19.0% winning)

Casey Fisk - 3 seasons
7-24 (22.6% winning)

Dave Campbell - 4 seasons
12-30 (28.6% winning)

Danny Woolley - 7 seasons
45-35 (56.3% winning)

Eric Turner - 4 seasons
24-22 (52.2% winning)

Steve Hensley - 1 season
2-8 (20.0% winning)

Justin Franklin - 2 seasons
5-15 (25.0% winning)

1978: 0-9 (Dave Browning)
1979: 3-8 (Dave Browning)
1980: 3-7 (Dave Browning)
1981: 1-9 (Tevis Gray)
1982: 1-10 (Tevis Gray)
1983: 3-8 (Tevis Gray)
1984: 3-8 (Tevis Gray)
1985: 3-8 (Tevis Gray)
1986: 5-5 (Tevis Gray)
1987: 4-7 (Tevis Gray)
1988: 1-10 (Tevis Gray)
1989: 3-8 (Ray Heidorn)
1990: 6-5 (Ray Heidorn) *
1991: 0-9 (Ray Heidorn)
1992: 0-10 (Ray Heidorn)
1993: 1-9 (Ray Heidorn)
1994: 3-7 (Jeff McCarthy)
1995: 0-10 (Jeff McCarthy)
1996: 2-8 (Jeff McCarthy)
1997: 3-7 (Jeff McCarthy)
1998: 2-8 (Jeff McCarthy)
1999: 2-8 (Jeff McCarthy)
2000: 0-10 (Jeff McCarthy)
2001: 0-10 (RJ Riegler)
2002: 4-8 (RJ Riegler) **
2003: 2-8 (RJ Riegler)
2004: 2-8 (RJ Riegler)
2005: 2-8 (Casey Fisk)
2006: 1-9 (Casey Fisk)
2007: 4-7 (Casey Fisk)
2008 4-6 (Dave Campbell)
2009: 2-9 (Dave Campbell)
2010: 2-9 (Dave Campbell)
2011: 4-6 (Dave Campbell)
2012: 5-6 (Danny Woolley)
2013: 7-4 (Danny Woolley)
2014: 6-4 (Danny Woolley)
2015: 10-3 (Danny Woolley) ***
2016: 2-9 (Danny Woolley)
2017: 8-4 (Danny Woolley)
2018: 7-5 (Danny Woolley)
2019: 8-5 (Eric Turner)
2020: 1-5 (Eric Turner)
2021: 8-5 (Eric Turner)
2022: 4-7 (Eric Turner)
2023: 2-8 (Steve Hensley)
2024: 2-8 (Justin Franklin)
2025: 3-7 (Justin Franklin)

* First Winning Record in Program History
** First Playoff Win in Program History
*** Deepest Playoff Run in Program History

On 7/7/2026 at 2:12 PM, Colonels_Wear_Blue said:

The 2026 football season will be Scott's 49th football season. The overall program record is 149-356 (29.5% winning), and they have a 9-20 (31.0% winning) post-season record.

Dave Browning - 3 seasons
6-24 (20.0% winning)

Tevis Gray - 8 seasons
21-65 (24.4% winning)

Ray Heidorn - 5 seasons
10-41 (19.6% winning)

Jeff McCarthy - 7 seasons
12-58 (17.1% winning)

RJ Riegler - 4 seasons
8-34 (19.0% winning)

Casey Fisk - 3 seasons
7-24 (22.6% winning)

Dave Campbell - 4 seasons
12-30 (28.6% winning)

Danny Woolley - 7 seasons
45-35 (56.3% winning)

Eric Turner - 4 seasons
24-22 (52.2% winning)

Steve Hensley - 1 season
2-8 (20.0% winning)

Justin Franklin - 2 seasons
5-15 (25.0% winning)

1978: 0-9 (Dave Browning)
1979: 3-8 (Dave Browning)
1980: 3-7 (Dave Browning)
1981: 1-9 (Tevis Gray)
1982: 1-10 (Tevis Gray)
1983: 3-8 (Tevis Gray)
1984: 3-8 (Tevis Gray)
1985: 3-8 (Tevis Gray)
1986: 5-5 (Tevis Gray)
1987: 4-7 (Tevis Gray)
1988: 1-10 (Tevis Gray)
1989: 3-8 (Ray Heidorn)
1990: 6-5 (Ray Heidorn) *
1991: 0-9 (Ray Heidorn)
1992: 0-10 (Ray Heidorn)
1993: 1-9 (Ray Heidorn)
1994: 3-7 (Jeff McCarthy)
1995: 0-10 (Jeff McCarthy)
1996: 2-8 (Jeff McCarthy)
1997: 3-7 (Jeff McCarthy)
1998: 2-8 (Jeff McCarthy)
1999: 2-8 (Jeff McCarthy)
2000: 0-10 (Jeff McCarthy)
2001: 0-10 (RJ Riegler)
2002: 4-8 (RJ Riegler) **
2003: 2-8 (RJ Riegler)
2004: 2-8 (RJ Riegler)
2005: 2-8 (Casey Fisk)
2006: 1-9 (Casey Fisk)
2007: 4-7 (Casey Fisk)
2008 4-6 (Dave Campbell)
2009: 2-9 (Dave Campbell)
2010: 2-9 (Dave Campbell)
2011: 4-6 (Dave Campbell)
2012: 5-6 (Danny Woolley)
2013: 7-4 (Danny Woolley)
2014: 6-4 (Danny Woolley)
2015: 10-3 (Danny Woolley) ***
2016: 2-9 (Danny Woolley)
2017: 8-4 (Danny Woolley)
2018: 7-5 (Danny Woolley)
2019: 8-5 (Eric Turner)
2020: 1-5 (Eric Turner)
2021: 8-5 (Eric Turner)
2022: 4-7 (Eric Turner)
2023: 2-8 (Steve Hensley)
2024: 2-8 (Justin Franklin)
2025: 3-7 (Justin Franklin)

* First Winning Record in Program History
** First Playoff Win in Program History
*** Deepest Playoff Run in Program History

You got all the stats there but I am old and I played and was an assistant coach at Scott and I don’t like the seeing these yearly records lol (Especially when I played there ?).  Thanks for sharing this. 

Hearing things didn't go well between NCC and Scott today at 7 on 7. What punishments have been handed down in the past for bench clearing brawls? Not a good look from the All-Star coaching staff!

50 minutes ago, BBHCEAGLE said:

Hearing things didn't go well between NCC and Scott today at 7 on 7. What punishments have been handed down in the past for bench clearing brawls? Not a good look from the All-Star coaching staff!

Wow what happened?