ORLANDO, Fla. – Championship or bust is the expectation at Trinity Christian. After beating Chaminade 24-13 the Conquerors claimed their fourth straight class 3A state championship.
What was impressive about their latest title is that Trinity was able to win without an every down quarterback. D.J. Matthews, Rasheed Martin and Austin Thomas all saw time under center against the Lions. When you can run the ball as effectively as the Conquerors it doesn’t matter who is playing quarterback.
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As a team Trinity ran for 296 yards on 44 carries. Matthews, who is committed to Florida State, will likely play wide receiver in college but he had both a rushing and passing touchdown against Chaminade. Most senior classes would be thrilled to win a single state championship, but the class of 2017 at Trinity has four rings.
“It’s a blessing for this senior class,” said Matthews, who was a part of the last two state championships. “The guys who’ve been here have been working hard, this is incredible. We’ve worked really hard and we deserve this. It’s a great way to end this journey.”
This game didn’t get off to the start that Trinity wanted. On the very first play from scrimmage it would be the Lions who would strike first. Running back Shaun Shivers took a handoff and sprinted toward the end-zone for an 80-yard touchdown. Chaminade held a 10-7 lead midway through the second quarter, but from there it was all Trinity.
Outside of that first touchdown run, Trinity held Chaminade in check. Even with the 80-yard score the Lions only averaged 2.6 yards per carry.
Offensively, the Conquerors got a solid outing of running back Rasheed Martin who ran for 181 yards and a score. During the second half of this game there were several personal fouls and unsportsmanlike conduct penalties by both teams. Before the game got out hand it was the Trinity seniors who calmed their teammates down.
“That’s who they are, they’re great leaders and they’re great athletes,” said Trinity Christian coach Verlon Dorminey. “They know what to expect because of the kids that have come before them. They’ve done a great job and we’re very much appreciative.”