Greensburg Salem quarterback Patrick has unusual combination of skills

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, August 13, 2018 | 7:48 PM

Very few teams have a starting quarterback who also serves as a starting nose tackle.

But that’s the case at Greensburg Salem.

Trent Patrick was an all-conference nose tackle in 2017 for the Golden Lions.

Late in the season, because of an injury to Jake Hoyle, he became the team’s starting quarterback.

Practice for the 2018 season officially began Monday, and Patrick is again working at both positions.

The 5-foot-10, 220-pound junior, with a cannon for an arm, started the last four games of his sophomore season and Greensburg Salem coach Dave Keefer said getting playing time on the varsity was beneficial.

“Anytime you get a player some reps on the varsity level, there is no substitute for that experience,” Keefer said. “Game experience has the biggest playing factor helping a young man improve.

“And he played against some good opponents, too. He didn’t play against average teams or sub-par teams. It’s a springboard for him.

“Even though he’s missed some time with a hand injury this summer, I’m not too worried about his progress.”

Greensburg Salem ran a triple-option with Hoyle at quarterback. While Patrick doesn’t have the elusiveness of Hoyle, he’s more of a power runner.

“Trent is a unique player,” Greensburg Salem assistant Casey Cavanaugh said. “He’s a dominating force on defense, and he has the best throwing arm I’ve coached in high school. He’s got such a quick release.

“Last year, we had the quarterbacks do a drill where they would throw from one knee through the goal posts. Trent was reaching 40 yards.”

Patrick was a starting linebacker as a freshman, and he brings a different dynamic at quarterback.

“We’re going to be able to stretch the field with him,” Cavanaugh said. “We’ll be able to throw deep, comeback patterns. He’s different than Jake, so we’ll run more power stuff with him. He’s a load to tackle.”

Cavanaugh jokingly calls Hoyle a “Coke machine.” He said he’s talked to Patrick about how hard he throws.

“We’ve talked about when to let up on some passes,” Cavanaugh said. “When he played last year, his ball was getting to the receivers a lot quicker. They will have to adjust to how he throws.”

Patrick, also a wrestler, was sidelined this summer with a hand injury. He missed a seven-on-seven event with Jeannette and the Westmoreland County Coaches Association tournament.

Patrick didn’t have great statistics last season. He did throw two touchdown passes and rush four more. He completed 25 of 55 passes for 317 yards.

“Getting in those games last year will help me immensely,” Patrick said. “My playing time with the older players helped so much. I’m hoping it helps me become a better leader.”

When Patrick throws the ball, he’ll be looking for senior wide receivers Tyler Williams and Dajauhn Hertzog. Williams had 13 catches for 207 yards and Hertzog 13 for 156 yards. He also rushed for 173 yards and finished with four total touchdowns.

“Working this summer will help me and the team,” Patrick said. “We’re working hard to improve on last season. I needed to work with the guys. The offense isn’t too complex.”

Paul Schofield is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Paul at pschofield@tribweb.com or via Twitter @Schofield_Trib.

Tags: Greensburg Salem