The Trinity High School Pioneers football team is entering a season of opportunity following the graduation of key players from their championship-winning team. Coach Rob Cathcart emphasizes a focus on development and maintaining a winning spirit despite significant roster changes.
Trinity Pioneers are a football team filled with opportunities, according to head coach Rob Cathcart. The team is rebuilding after graduating a star-studded senior class that led them to the NHIAA Division II title last fall. Among those lost to graduation are quarterback Ollie Service, running back Davey Durepo, tight end/kicker Connor Bishop, and linemen JP Feren and Dylan Gartside.
Senior captains Tate Zubhuza and Malith Malith are tasked with leading the team, mirroring the example set by the previous graduating class. “They never gave up to the point where it would instill even the younger kids to do it, so I was stepping up and I wouldn't quit,” Zubhuza, a wide receiver/cornerback, said. “I just want to be able to do that for these younger kids now and just fight to the very end.” Zubhuza spent the offseason working with the quarterbacks competing to replace Service.
The quarterback competition includes junior captain Danny Bergin, a transfer from Hollis-Brookline, and sophomore Chatham Flynn, a transfer from Pinkerton Academy, along with juniors Ben Pena and freshman Colin Lochman. Bergin, who previously played tight end, trained with former Nashua South and University of New Hampshire quarterback Trevor Knight. Zubhuza noted the challenge of building timing with the new quarterbacks, stating, “That's been the hardest part. I have trust in our quarterbacks that they can get me the ball. It's just about the timing, footwork and little stuff like that that needs improvement but we're working on it.”
Positions like center and kicker are also being contested during preseason. Coach Cathcart, entering his 11th year, held a punting/kicking drill to evaluate players for those roles. He believes the current team, particularly the sophomore class, has significant talent, drawing parallels to his 2021 Division III championship game team. That team, led by quarterback Jack Service (Ollie’s older brother), lost 50-14 to Pelham before ultimately winning the championship when those sophomores became seniors. “I thought that was going to be a rebuilding team but we made it to the championship game,” Cathcart said. “The goal (this year) would be, can we make the…”, but the quote was cut off in the source.
The Pioneers will open their season on Saturday, Sept. 5, at John Stark.
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