Ocala Trinity Catholic Is Back!

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are very few people at Ocala Trinity Catholic that can remember the days when this program dominated the football landscape in the state of Florida.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of those who can recall the way this team churned out prospects while winning a state title is head coach <strong>John Brantley</strong>. A pure football coach from a family that has long been a name that many relied on in this region of the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What Brantley and his staff did this season – after a pair of 7-4 seasons – is restore that winning attitude.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When the Celtics take the field at Gene Cox Stadium in Tallahassee on Saturday afternoon against Naples First Baptist at 1:00, it will be familiar to Brantley, who has been here – and done this before.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The two-hour ride from the Ocala area will see fans, current and former students as well as administrators who are anxious to bring home a state title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This program has plenty of numbers on this team. Players who are making an impact now, and are expected to keep this success rolling into the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Among the Class of 2023 seniors this team will roll out includes <strong>David Abate</strong> (DT, 5-11, 295), <strong>Justin Arroyo</strong> (PK, 6-1, 155), <strong>Beau Beard</strong> (RB, 5-10, 190), <strong>Alex Brooks</strong> (OG, 5-10, 215), <strong>Jake Engelhardt</strong> (QB), <strong>Dalton Henry</strong> (OG, 6-1 280), <strong>Harrison Holland</strong> (OLB, 6-0, 205), standout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='128031' first='Tommy' last='Kinsler']</strong> (OL, 6-6, 300). Impressive <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='128716' first='Donathan' last='Lecorn']</strong> (OLB, 6-2, 218), <strong>Omaryon Leslie </strong>(LB, 5-9, 210), <strong>Kayden McCarson</strong> (SS, 6-3, 205), and offensive linemen <strong>Brayden Ramey</strong> (6-6, 285) and <strong>Jordan Rozier</strong> (6-2, 305) to name a few.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In addition, seniors <strong>DeShawn Shelton</strong> (CB, 5-9, 170), <strong>Tyler Simms </strong>(NG, 5-10, 195), <strong>Jacob Smith</strong> (OT, 6-6, 310), <strong>Kenyen Smith</strong> (OG, 6-0, 285) and free safety <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='128815' first='Brice' last='Summerall']</strong> (6-1, 185).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HOW BRIGHT IS THE FUTURE? THE NUMBERS ARE THERE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the senior class has set the table for this Saturday's title game, the underclassmen have also made a lasting impression. Class of 2024 juniors such as <strong>Jacob Arnold</strong> (DT, 6-0, 235), <strong>Gavin Davis</strong> (LB, 5-7, 160), <strong>Antonio Ellis</strong> (WR, 6-0, 190), <strong>Dwayne Goodrum Jr.</strong> (DE, 6-0, 180), <strong>Mekai Griffin</strong> (TE, 6-2, 195), <strong>Mikeen Harrison</strong> (LB, 6-2, 205), <strong>John Hayes</strong> (WR), <strong>Dominic Johnson </strong>(OT, 6-3, 235) and receiver <strong>Jewellius Lluberes</strong> (5-9, 155) have been important.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So have prospects <strong>Cedric McFadden</strong> (WR, 5-11, 170), <strong>Alan Means </strong>(QB, 6-2, 170), Miguel Quintana (MBL, 5-9, 200), <strong>Jeremiah Rhem</strong> (S, 6-2, 185), <strong>Jamarkus Starkes</strong> (RB, 5-10, 170) and nose guard <strong>Adrian Taylor Jr.</strong> (6-6, 375)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The beat goes in with the 2025 sophomore class that has players such as <strong>Aaron Doughman</strong> (OG, 6-0, 245), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='992865' first='Gerrick' last='Gordon']</strong> (OG, 6-4, 300), <strong>Devontae Grant</strong> (WR, 6-0, 155), <strong>Austin Holder</strong> (WR, 5-7, 165), <strong>Hampton Johnson</strong> (OG, 6-1, 245), <strong>Zach Johnson</strong> (DE, 6-0, 185), promising<strong> Gerald "Juice" Lawton III </strong>(WR, 5-8, 155), <strong>Ace Means</strong> (WR, 5-9, 160), <strong>Trenton Nix</strong> (QB/DE, 6-3, 200), <strong>Courtney Patterson </strong>(CB, 5-11, 155) and defensive back <strong>Gavin Petenbrink</strong> (5-10, 175).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The underclassmen also feature <strong>Luke Rudnianyn</strong> (RB, 5-7, 155<strong>), Sean Thornton</strong> (WR, 6-0, 177) and <strong>Preston Wright</strong> (QB, 6-2, 185) in addition to Class of 2026 freshmen <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='283735' first='G'nivre' last='Carr']</strong> (OG, 6-4, 285), <strong>Carlisle Cox</strong> (DE, 6-0, 180), <strong>Hudson Holland</strong> (DE/LS, 5-11, 180) and defensive end <strong>Jermaine Kinsler</strong> (6-6, 240).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>THE CELTICS (9-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tallahassee Florida State University, L 22-19</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CLEARWATER CENTRAL CATHOLIC, W 35-29</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gainesville, W 48-3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>JACKSONVILLE RAINES, L 20-17</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ST. AUGUSTINE JOSEPH ACADEMY, W 56-0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CLEARWATER CALVARY CHRISTIAN, W 49-46</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PONTE VEDRA, W 26-21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DAYTONA BEACH FATHER LOPEZ, W 56-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gainesville P.K. Yonge, W 48-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>FORT PIERCE JOHN CARROLL CATHOLIC, W 22-10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PHOTO COURTESY OF OCALA TRINITY CATHOLIC FOOTBALL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You Can Contact <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='111610' first='Larry' last='Blustein']</strong> with prospect or team information at: <strong><a href="mailto:Floridakids1@aol.com">Floridakids1@aol.com</a>.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->