For three straight seasons the Male High School football team accomplished what many thought was impossible for a Jefferson County Public School, competing on the same level as mighty Trinity and winning five of six matchups overall.
But as the teams get set to renew their rivalry Friday night, Bulldogs coach Chris Wolfe acknowledges a return to the status quo may be brewing.
After all, Trinity is ranked No. 19 in the nation by USA Today. Male is still trying to find its stride after losing 32 seniors and 20 of 22 starters from last year’s 15-0 state-championship season.
“We’re definitely the underdog,” Wolfe said.
Trinity – No. 1 in the state in The Courier-Journal’s Litkenhous Ratings – and No. 5 Male will both bring 3-0 records into Friday’s matchup at Trinity. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
Male has blitzed through its first three opponents, beating Fairdale 57-8 last week, but the bevy of new faces in the starting lineup will get their stiffest test so far against Trinity.
Wolfe is excited about the talent on this squad, and most observers expect the Bulldogs will be major players for the Class 6-A title come November. But the coach said he’s had to temper expectations in the early going of the season.
“It has been tough,” Wolfe said. “You go to practice expecting the types of practices you’ve had the last couple of years, but you have to take a step back. … That was just a unique group that had played so much together. We’ve got 20 new (starters) out there, and you realize it’s not all going to happen in Game 1 or Game 2.
“But then you find the right perspective and see glimpses of getting a little bit better, and it makes you feel good.”
Wolfe said the offense took a big step last week against Fairdale, recording a season-best seven of what the coach calls “explosive plays.” They include completions of 16 or more yards and runs of 12 or more yards.
Senior quarterback. T.J. Thomas completed 6 of 8 passes for 137 yards and three touchdowns.
“It’s about rhythm and timing, and the margin of error is really small on those deep balls,” Wolfe said. “There’s a lot that goes into making that look easy, but it’s not easy. Experience helps, and we’re starting to see a glimmer of hope there.”
Junior running back Dayveon Higgs has rushed for 266 yards and four touchdowns and is averaging 4.5 yards per carry, a number Wolfe expects will improve as the passing game takes off.
“And he’s had to run through a lot of tackles as we clean up our offensive line,” Wolfe said. “He’s done the hard work of moving the chains.”
Trinity made quick work of Lafayette last week, jumping to a 35-0 halftime lead on its way to a 45-7 rout. Senior quarterback Spencer Blackburn threw three touchdown passes, all to Jovel Smith (six catches, 89 yards).
Like Male, Trinity had to overcome the loss of several starters from last season (18 of 22).
“I think they’re still trying to tweak some things and find out what their strengths are, and I think we are, too,” Shamrocks coach Bob Beatty said. “This is not a Super Bowl. This is just Game 4 on the schedule. … We’re still looking at our strengths and weaknesses, and I’m sure they’re doing the same thing because it’s not long before we get into district play.”
Jason Frakes can be reached at (502) 582-4046 and jfrakes@courier-journal.com.
GAME OF THE WEEK
* Who: Male (3-0) at Trinity (3-0).
* When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
* Jason’s pick: Trinity 28-17.
