Ocala Trinity Catholic Is Back!
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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. One of those who can recall the way this team churned out prospects while…
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Continue ReadingThere 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.
One of those who can recall the way this team churned out prospects while winning a state title is head coach John Brantley. A pure football coach from a family that has long been a name that many relied on in this region of the state.
What Brantley and his staff did this season – after a pair of 7-4 seasons – is restore that winning attitude.
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.
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.
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.
Among the Class of 2023 seniors this team will roll out includes David Abate (DT, 5-11, 295), Justin Arroyo (PK, 6-1, 155), Beau Beard (RB, 5-10, 190), Alex Brooks (OG, 5-10, 215), Jake Engelhardt (QB), Dalton Henry (OG, 6-1 280), Harrison Holland (OLB, 6-0, 205), standout Tommy Kinsler Tommy Kinsler 6'6" | 300 lbs | OL Ocala Trinity Catholic | 2023 State FL (OL, 6-6, 300). Impressive Donathan Lecorn Donathan Lecorn 6'1" | 200 lbs | LB Ocala Trinity Catholic | 2023 FL (OLB, 6-2, 218), Omaryon Leslie (LB, 5-9, 210), Kayden McCarson (SS, 6-3, 205), and offensive linemen Brayden Ramey (6-6, 285) and Jordan Rozier (6-2, 305) to name a few.
In addition, seniors DeShawn Shelton (CB, 5-9, 170), Tyler Simms (NG, 5-10, 195), Jacob Smith (OT, 6-6, 310), Kenyen Smith (OG, 6-0, 285) and free safety Brice Summerall Brice Summerall 6'0" | 165 lbs | DB Tallahassee St. John Paul Catholic | 2023 FL (6-1, 185).
HOW BRIGHT IS THE FUTURE? THE NUMBERS ARE THERE
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 Jacob Arnold (DT, 6-0, 235), Gavin Davis (LB, 5-7, 160), Antonio Ellis (WR, 6-0, 190), Dwayne Goodrum Jr. (DE, 6-0, 180), Mekai Griffin (TE, 6-2, 195), Mikeen Harrison (LB, 6-2, 205), John Hayes (WR), Dominic Johnson (OT, 6-3, 235) and receiver Jewellius Lluberes (5-9, 155) have been important.
So have prospects Cedric McFadden (WR, 5-11, 170), Alan Means (QB, 6-2, 170), Miguel Quintana (MBL, 5-9, 200), Jeremiah Rhem (S, 6-2, 185), Jamarkus Starkes (RB, 5-10, 170) and nose guard Adrian Taylor Jr. (6-6, 375)
The beat goes in with the 2025 sophomore class that has players such as Aaron Doughman (OG, 6-0, 245), Gerrick Gordon Gerrick Gordon 6'4" | 270 lbs | OL Ocala Trinity Catholic | 2025 State FL (OG, 6-4, 300), Devontae Grant (WR, 6-0, 155), Austin Holder (WR, 5-7, 165), Hampton Johnson (OG, 6-1, 245), Zach Johnson (DE, 6-0, 185), promising Gerald “Juice” Lawton III (WR, 5-8, 155), Ace Means (WR, 5-9, 160), Trenton Nix (QB/DE, 6-3, 200), Courtney Patterson (CB, 5-11, 155) and defensive back Gavin Petenbrink (5-10, 175).
The underclassmen also feature Luke Rudnianyn (RB, 5-7, 155), Sean Thornton (WR, 6-0, 177) and Preston Wright (QB, 6-2, 185) in addition to Class of 2026 freshmen G’nivre Carr G’nivre Carr 6'5" | 330 lbs | OL FL (OG, 6-4, 285), Carlisle Cox (DE, 6-0, 180), Hudson Holland (DE/LS, 5-11, 180) and defensive end Jermaine Kinsler (6-6, 240).
THE CELTICS (9-2)
Tallahassee Florida State University, L 22-19
CLEARWATER CENTRAL CATHOLIC, W 35-29
Gainesville, W 48-3
JACKSONVILLE RAINES, L 20-17
ST. AUGUSTINE JOSEPH ACADEMY, W 56-0
CLEARWATER CALVARY CHRISTIAN, W 49-46
PONTE VEDRA, W 26-21
DAYTONA BEACH FATHER LOPEZ, W 56-6
Gainesville P.K. Yonge, W 48-7
FORT PIERCE JOHN CARROLL CATHOLIC, W 22-10
PHOTO COURTESY OF OCALA TRINITY CATHOLIC FOOTBALL
You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com.