Eagles look to rebound under new coach

With football season right around the corner, the Willow Park Trinity Christian Eagles are looking to rebound from a tough 2022 campaign.

Trinity Christian finished 1-9 overall with a young and inexperienced team last season, and new head coach Cody McKenzie said, regardless of record, he was proud of how his team persevered.

“Last year was tough, with limited numbers and a young team,” McKenzie said. “But our kids competed their tails off, and our young guys gained a great amount of varsity experience that will help us this fall.”

McKenzie took over the program when Brian Marmian left after one season.

Some of the stronger returners for TCA this season include senior wide receiver Jake Anderson, senior noseguard Luke Sims, senior wide receiver/running back/cornerback Mathew Sykes, sophomore quarterback/wide receiver/strong safety Braxton Smith, sophomore quarterback/tight end/tackle Kadin James, sophomore linebacker/guard/tight end Nathan Bryson, sophomore quarterback/free safety Brady Reese and junior wide receiver/free safety Braxton Lewis.

“All these guys will be two-way starters for us this season and make a major impact on our success,” McKenzie said.

Sykes was an all-district selection in 2022.

After some tough sledding last season, McKenzie said he is excited to see what his team will do with a year of varsity competition and off-season conditioning under its belt.

“Growth and experience will play a major role in competing better with this year's team,” McKenzie said. “Our young guys went to work last year in the off-season and summer to prepare their bodies physically. With the extra year of maturity and the experience gained while having to compete at the varsity level last year, TCA will compete better each week.”

One of the bigger challenges facing athletes this summer has been the intense heat, and McKenzie said he and his coaching staff have taken the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of his athletes.

“With having a small number of players this season, we are adding in extra breaks and getting them in the shade when we can,” McKenzie said. “The kids have handled the elements well, and I believe that comes with a metal toughness that was created in the off-season/summer.”

To contend for a playoff spot in 2023, McKenzie said it comes down to two basic factors.

“We have to stay healthy and have good execution,” McKenzie said. “Our kids will battle with everyone who steps on the field with us. If we can stay healthy this season with limited numbers, I believe we can begin to close the gap on our district opponents and put ourselves in the playoff mix.”

And McKenzie said there is no question about who the standard bearer is in TAPPS Division III District I this season.

“Lubbock Trinity will continue to be a tough test,” McKenzie said. “Lubbock Trinity won the district last year and just fell short at the state semis. I look for them to be the team to beat.”

Trinity Christian-Willow Park will open the season at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 25 against Temple Christian in Willow Park.