2008 Team to Watch: Euless Trinity

As the month of May begins, PrepNation.com begins looking ahead in earnest to the start of the 2008 high school football season. We're still a few months away from the release of our expanded preseason national rankings, but it's not too soon to whet your appetite with mini-previews of teams that are likely to figure very prominently on the national scene this season.

Trinity Trojans (Euless, Texas)

If not for a heart-breaking 22-21 loss to No. 2-ranked Southlake Carroll in the 2006 playoffs, Trinity might very well be working a streak of three consecutive Class 5A state championships.

The 2008 Trojans have 11 returning starters and figure to be in the hunt for a mythical national championship. Trinity's pre-district schedule includes a September 1 national TV date with fellow national power John Curtis (River Ridge, La.) at Texas Stadium followed by tilts with top area foes Cedar Hill and Allen.

Trinity has won 40 of its last 43 games and finished last season ranked No. 9 in the National Prep Poll. Coach Steve Lineweaver (89-16 in eight seasons) directs one of the nation's premier high school football programs, which routinely wallops Dallas-Fort Worth area foes with a tough and physical rushing attack on offense and a fast and swarming unit on defense.

Trinity Trojans (Euless, Texas)
Coach: Steve Lineweaver (89-16, 8 years at Trinity)

2007: 15-1, 5A/I state champion, No. 9 National Prep Poll ranking

Top returning players: RB Tray Robinson (6-1, 205, 885 yards rushing, 17 TDs), QB Denarius McGhee (5-11, 180, 1,706 passing yards, 14 TDs), DB Eryon Barnett (6-2, 180, Texas commit), LB Earnest Norman (5-11, 210, Tulsa commit)

Key losses: OL Josh Ayers (Texas A&M), DT Mao Leota (Kilgore JC), TE Tapa Taumoepeau (Fresno St.)

All systems go: Offense skill positions, defense

Questions must be answered: Inexperienced offensive line

Toughest games: vs. John Curtis, La. (Sept. 1 at Texas Stadium); @ Cedar Hill (Sept,. 12); @ Allen (Sept. 19); vs. Colleyville Heritage (Oct. 10).

Forbes Report Scouting Video: RB Tray Robinson