Preseason Trench Trophy Predictions

<p>The Trench Trophy is granted every year to the Best Senior Offensive/Defensive Lineman throughout Section VI and the Monsignor Martin League. Today, I will cover players that I believe will make the cut into the Top 10 finalists list and a few others that I think will be breakout candidates that could be surprise additions by season's end.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">My Top 10</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Last season Caldwell earned All-Catholic, All-WNY and All-State honors as an Offensive Guard but he excels on the DL as an athletic DT with great awareness. Javez has already committed to play college football at Bryant University and should cap his senior season off as a Trench Trophy finalist.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">After transferring from a Class D school, Wortkoetter made his presence known against tougher competition. Willy is one of the best Offensive Tackles in WNY and has experience playing each position on the OL. After earning All-Catholic honors last season, he should get recognition from the All State and All WNY teams.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Mattoon anchors arguably the best OL group in WNY. Clarence has a few players that could bring home the Trench Trophy this season. Last Year, Kaius was named 2nd team All WNY and 1st team All State at Right Guard. He plays with ruthless aggression and I expect a repeat performance this season.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">A 3rd team All State honoree in his junior season, Engasser has ideal size for a Left Tackle. He has excellent footwork and good hand placement. Talon can man handle opposing D - Linemen and will be in for a huge senior campaign.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Warren made 2nd team All WNY and 4th team All State on the OL but his future lies on the defensive side of the ball. With his low pad level and big body, he is able to clog running lanes better than anyone. With his work on the OL and DL, he will get some recognition as a Trench Trophy nominee.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">I thought McCann was overlooked last season. He played Center for one of the most high powered offenses in WNY. Previous to 2024, Tim played Tackle. St. Francis' offense is expected to put up video game like numbers this season so whichever position he plays as a senior, McCann will be seen as one of the best prospects in the area.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Timon did not have a great season in 2024 so Conrad's name did not get mentioned as much as his peers but he did earn All-Catholic honors at Right Guard. The Tigers QB Anzalone is back from a torn ACL which should help their offensive performance and should bring notoriety to the Timon OL; Mason specifically.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">It is surprising that Lee didn't receive any post season awards as a junior. At 6'5 and 300 lbs, he was a pivotal part of the Kenmore West Offense that made it to the semi finals of the Section VI playoffs. Jor-El has all the intangibles needed to be an elite OL prospect and making the Trench Trophy finalist list would be a great way to cap off his High School career.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Just named as one of the team captains, McGloin is a leader on the line as well as the locker room. His tape speaks for itself as he is a dominant presence at Right Tackle. Depew's Offense should be run heavy this season and will give Mason the opportunity to receive the acknowledgement he deserves.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Wilson is actually one of the best OL/DL prospects in the entire area. He has incredible strength and is quick on his feet. He consistently blocks to the whistle and has excellent awareness. A two way player with good size, he should be recognized as a Trench Trophy finalist.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Watch List/Sleeper Picks</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Player</strong></td><td><strong>School</strong></td><td><strong>Size</strong></td><td><strong>Notes</strong></td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='806822' first='Ivan' last='Pusloskie']</td><td>Clarence</td><td>6'1 270</td><td>Another Clarence O - Lineman we will hear a lot from this season - Pusloskie is the Red Devils' RT with immense strength</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='806710' first='Gavin' last='McWhirter']</td><td>Orchard Park</td><td>6'2 325</td><td>Interior lineman with a big frame - He would have had a lot of recognition last year but an injury in Week 2 derailed his season</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1345230' first='Brayden' last='Snyder']</td><td>West Seneca West</td><td>6'3 250</td><td>Unhearlded Warhawks Center that will anchor thier OL this season</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1344712' first='Kurt' last='Stevens']</td><td>Lackawanna</td><td>6' 275</td><td>Two way lineman that shines mostly on the defensive side of the ball - 43 tackles (13 for loss) 5.5 sacks in 2024</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1345118' first='Amos' last='Lutete']</td><td>Bennett</td><td>6'1 250</td><td>Has a slender build for an O - Lineman but he has solid technique and attacks with aggression</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='806889' first='Patrick' last='Allen']</td><td>West Seneca West</td><td>6'3 290</td><td>Big body two way player that is in for a monster senior season</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

The Trench Trophy is granted every year to the Best Senior Offensive/Defensive Lineman throughout Section VI and the Monsignor Martin League. Today, I will cover players that I believe will make the cut into the Top 10 finalists list and a few others that I think will be breakout candidates that could be surprise additions by season's end.