Trinity aims for trip to state title game, hosts Deer Creek

Published 12:33 am Friday, November 10, 2017

Through injuries, small numbers and a schedule weighted with many schools in larger classifications, the Trinity Episcopal football team has done a good bit of shuffling this season.

Heading into tonight’s MAIS Class A semifinal matchup, however, Saints coach Graham Roberts likes what he sees.

No. 2 Trinity (6-5) is set to host No.  3 Deer Creek School (6-4) at 7 p.m.

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“We are in about as good of shape as we are going to be in,” Roberts said. “All season long was have had to set people in places they didn’t expect to play. They have done a great job, but it’s just not how we originally projected it.

“We are starting to get back to our original lineup that we knew was going to be really tough.”

Trinity is coming off a convincing win over DeSoto School last week, 34-0.

Quarterback Sterling Yarbrough passed for four touchdowns and 259 yards to lead the Saints.

“Hopefully we keep our momentum going right now,” Roberts said. “Last week was definitely the most complete game we have played. We had too many penalties, but the offense was clicking and defense played well.”

With players settling into their roles, Roberts said in practice the team has focused on eliminating those penalties.

“We still have to be physical, but we have backed off of hitting a little bit,” he said. “We have to make sure we are focused on eliminating the mental mistakes.”

The Saints’ biggest threat in Deer Creek, Roberts said, is its quarterback.

“He’s a powerhouse and likes to run the ball,” he said. “They have an offense that pretty much just dares you to stop them.”

With a trip to the state championship on the line, Roberts urges support from the Trinity family.

“I want this one more than I’ve ever wanted one to be honest. It’s going to be a great game,” he said. “I hope our boys play with a lot of energy, and I’d love to have a huge crowd supporting us.”