Can the Trojans sustain the offensive momentum of 2018?
BY BRIAN RZEPPA
RPO offense was a major force to be reckoned with
Despite a relatively young roster and an entirely new offensive scheme, the Trenton High School Varsity football team managed to establish itself as one of the top teams in the Downriver League in 2018.
Finishing 7-4 — including a win over league rival Gibraltar Carlson High School in the first round of the playoffs — the Trojans had a strong season by any account.
“It was a very successful season — I think the kids had fun and realize that the difference between what was and what could have been was paper thin,” said Head Coach Bob Czarnecki.
The new offense, especially, was a nightmare for opposing defenses. Scoring 340 points — just the fourth time in the last 20 years the team has eclipsed the 300-point mark — it was evident that the scheme was a rousing success.
“I think they all loved it. It allows for some decision-making by all on the field, allows more individual freedom and the players have a certain amount of input. Consequently, they have more ownership in the product.”
The RPO (run-pass-option) offense largely revolves around quick decision making by the quarterback and his receivers. At the heart of this offensive explosion was Jay Solano, a senior who has since graduated and joined Wayne State’s football team. Along with Solano, one of his favorite targets in Gabe Doree has also moved on to the next level at Case Western Reserve University.
While graduations are part and parcel of high school athletics, Czarnecki noted the impact each of them had and added the difficulty in replacing them.
“Jay, Gabe, and many of the seniors from last year’s team will be missed — they were all great kids — Jay and Gabe were not only terrific football players but excellent leaders and examples for the younger guys. The legacy they left, along with the other members of their class, will be carried on by the team members this year. I am excited to see how they, along with Zack Conti, Evan Adams, and Ethan Riley develop as they continue on their athletic journey.”
Though Conti has also graduated and ascended to the Division 1 level, Czarnecki is confident in his offensive line’s ability to move forward without skipping a beat.
“We bring back a core of experience on the offensive line, at linebacker, a bit in the secondary and in our receiving corps. I am excited to see if we can pick up where we left off last season.”
With Nolan Whiteside, Gabe Cavazos, Ian Lozon and others returning, the offense should remain one of the stouter units in the league. Looking throughout the roster, Czarnecki is pleased with what he sees across the board but has some concern — at least initially — about the team’s depth.
“Every year we have to replace and re-tool a bit. The issue is going to be depth, at least looking at it prior to the season starting. Our biggest problem is small class sizes. Our sophomore class has less than 20 members — which makes it tough to compete at the JV level in a league where we have the smallest enrollment. We do have an incoming class that could be around 30 which will help.”
Just as they did last year, the Trojans will be looking to make adjustments on both sides of the ball. Though there likely won’t be quite as big of a shift in philosophy, the team is looking to pull out some different looks.
“We are always looking for things that will allow us to put our players in the best possible situation,” the coach said. “We will change depending on the personal we have in any given year. I believe our players and coaches work extremely hard to make things as good as possible.”
The outlook for this season is undoubtedly positive, but Czarnecki is letting his players take the lead as far as where they want to set the bar for the year.
“My expectations are far less important than those of our players. I do expect that they are going to put in the work necessary to achieve the goals they have set for this year’s team. The seniors realize that whatever they accomplish or fall short of will be forever recorded on their page in the storied history of this football program. They take that very seriously. I do expect that they will not disappoint themselves or our fans this season.”
The Trojans open up the season in Dearborn against Downriver League foe Edsel Ford.