Despite roster turnover, Trinity looks forward to competing in Big 8 Conference

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, August 15, 2018 | 10:33 PM

En route to its first WPIAL playoff berth in five seasons, Trinity exhibited a powerful offense last season.

In its six victories, the Hillers scored at least 37 points, and senior Joey Koroly rushed for 1,805 yards.

But Koroly, quarterback Dylan Kern, who passed for 13 touchdowns, powerful lineman Ben Phillis and all but one starter have graduated from last year’s 6-4 squad.

“That was a step in the right direction,” fourth-year coach Jon Miller said of his 2017 team. “We struggled in our first game and got better in scoring, and it came down to great individual and team efforts.”

Trinity finished 5-3 in Big 9 Conference play. Two of the Hillers’ overall losses came to eventual WPIAL champion Thomas Jefferson, including one in an opening-round playoff game.

Even two assistant coaches retired. But Miller and his staff relish the challenge of fielding close to a new-look team for 2018.

“It’s a little harder, but I’m excited to see what these guys can do as starters,” Miller said.

The lone starter returning is junior receiver/cornerback Dalton Bedillion.

Getting the nod to replace Kern at quarterback will be sophomore Kaden Kolson.

“Kaden’s a tall, strong kid and very athletic,” Miller said. “It’ll be great to have him over the next three years. But we’ll break him in slowly and play to his strengths.”

It won’t be easy to replace a 4,000-yard career ball carrier like Koroly, and two contenders are vying for the running back spot. Sophomore Micah Finley and freshman Drew Cain are looking toward the tough task of filling Koroly’s shoes.

Finley played on special teams last year and blocked a crucial kick in the victory over Laurel Highlands.

In what will be a junior-laden line, the anchor is expected to be Avery Kern, a two-way tackle.

Others expected to contribute up front are Austin Beels, Gage Martin and Regis Seng.

“They all have a lot of promise; we just have to find the right place to put them,” Miller said. “They’ll all be in the 6-2, 225-pound range. We don’t have anybody like Phillis who was 6-5 and 290.”

Trinity’s defense again will center around eight men in the box with some variations.

Washington County District Justice Bob Redlinger has left the staff, along with Paul Uram, who has retired.

In this era of constant turnover of conference opponents, the Big 8 has stayed remarkably stable. Indiana has replaced Albert Gallatin in the only alignment change.

With so many new starters, Trinity won’t be playing a Week Zero game. Instead, the Hillers will begin the season at Greensburg Salem.

Trinity’s second week scrimmage will again be against perennial title contender West Allegheny. Miller and West Allegheny coach Bob Palko discussed playing a varsity game, but decided to keep a scrimmage.

“We still need that extra week,” Miller said. “Coach Palko and I are happy about that. We want to get our young guys as many reps as possible.”

Schedule

Coach: Jon Miller

2017 record: 6-4, 5-3

All-time record: 365-496-37

Date, Opponent, Time

8.31, at Greensburg Salem*, 7 p.m.

9.7, at West Mifflin*, 7:30 p.m.

9.14, Ringgold*, 7:30 p.m.

9.21, at Thomas Jefferson*, 7:30 p.m.

9.28, Indiana*, 7:30 p.m.

10.5, at Belle Vernon*, 7 p.m.

10.12, Penn-Trafford, 7:30 p.m.

10.19, at Knoch, 7 p.m.

10.26, Laurel Highlands*, 7:30 p.m.

*Class 4A Big 8 Conference game

Statistical leaders

Passing: Dylan Kern*

55-93, 595 yards, 13 TDs

Rushing: Joey Koroly*

220-1,805 yards, 23 TDs

Receiving: Cole Bair

18-351 yards, 9 TDs

*Graduated

George Guido is a freelance writer.

Tags: Trinity