Following a 2-0 start to the season, Center Grove will head two hours south to take on Louisville Trinity tonight. The Trojans have had this date circled on their calendar for quite some time, this being the first out-of-state game since 2013. Adding to the anticipation, the continuation of the team’s 30-game win streak is on the line.

As an unfamiliar foe, Trinity enters the game as the No. 4 ranked team in Kentucky. In a Week 1 matchup against Carmel, the Rocks controlled possession of the ball far better than the Greyhounds, resulting in a 17-7 victory. Trinity showed a very balanced rushing and passing attack, which is something the Trojans are prepared for.

The star of last week’s game-winning drive against Carmel was junior receiver Noah Coy, who caught a 47-yard touchdown pass late in the 4th quarter. He is eager to display the momentum the Trojans now have.

“It gave us a ton of confidence. Going out there with our backs against the wall with a ton of new starters, a first year quarterback, against an elite defense, it proved that we can prevail in the big moment and make big plays,” Coy said. “We are confident that we can score at any moment in the game.” 

On the offensive side of the field, junior quarterback Tyler Cherry has proven that he can fulfill all expectations set before him. Passing the ball has certainly not been a weakness this year for the Trojans, as Cherry has thrown for 262 yards through the first two games of the season.

“Trinity runs a certain type of defense, so it’ll depend on how their outside linebackers are playing. We relied heavily on the pass last week and the week before,” Cherry said.

One of the most underrated aspects of a successful football program is the production from the offensive line. Senior lineman Luke McDaniel claims the Trojans are ready to go against an experienced Trinity team.

“Trinity’s defensive line is fundamentally sound and well-coached,” McDaniel said. “They have good strength and size, but we will be prepared to control the line of scrimmage all night.”

Senior safety Gavin Oakes is looking to validate the Trojans football reputation. After week two, their rank as No. 1 in the state is seemingly solidified.

“I feel like it’s not all about the streak, but showing everyone that we can hang and beat the other 6A teams even though we lost a lot of great players from last year,” Oakes said.

After a strong performance in the first two games, junior linebacker Owen Bright hopes to pick up right where he left off. Bright is the team leader in tackles, recording 16 so far this year; he plays with a great deal of energy, especially on the road.

“The locker room energy won’t be much different than usual, but we are definitely excited to get an out-of-state road game experience,” Bright said.

Another underestimated, yet crucial part of Center Grove’s success is special teams. Preseason All-State senior kicker Nolan Foley knows what it takes to win close games.

“It’ll be a little different kicking at a field I’ve never played at before,” Foley said. “I would predict it to be a close game just like the last two, so every kick will count. I’ve been in these situations before, so I’ll be comfortable.”