It isn't a requirement to go to a practice or a team meeting to know what a coach's point of emphasis has been to his players in a given season or situation.
Just listen to the players. When particular phrases pop up repeatedly in interviews, be sure that's what a coach has been preaching. When it pops up with every player, the coach has been teaching it very successfully.
One visit with a handful of Holy Trinity football players during the 2024 preseason makes it impossible to miss what head coach Hurlie Brown has been preaching: football I.Q.
"If you don't have a high football I.Q., you can't play," Brown said last week. "The game is starting to change. It's about understanding the game, knowing the game, being able to watch film. If you're not smart, you can't play football."
Brown sees smarts in his growing Tigers roster, and he sees familiar faces that tell him the young group he started with in 2022 has grown up.
"Our kids are older, more mature. Last year, we had babies," he said. "You get a chance to watch them grow. They know what's expected and what culture we're trying to create."
That has created a different feel around the program. While district realignment may have toughened the Holy Trinity schedule, the arsenal of talent is more diverse and, as Brown said, experienced.
It starts with Jaeden McMillan, the junior receiver/defensive back. His offensive numbers — 791 yards and seven touchdowns on 49 catches — may be flashier than his three interceptions and 31 tackles on defense, but he's a player who will not rest much in 2024.
Senior Forrest Butler, at 6-foot-2, will get him the ball. His sophomore brother Duke, as well as junior Myles Smith could be other targets.
Senior Dylan Jensen is a versatile athlete coming off a season of 30 tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles along with 23 receptions for 415 yards and six touchdowns.
Kriston Gibson, a sophomore linebacker, is the top returning tackler, with 52 stops a year ago, and senior backer Beau Fleis (51 tackles) right behind him. Linebacker/offensive tackle Griffin Brunger returns after a season-ending injury a year ago.
Kicker Marcus Trout, who scored 49 points with a long field goal of 34 in 2023, also returns.
Head coach : Hurlie Brown begins his third season leading the Tigers.
Returning stat leaders : Jaeden McMillan 49 rec.-791 yards, 7 TDs, 3 Ints.; Kriston Gibson 52 tkls, 3 sacks; Dylan Jensen 30 tkls. 3 Ints., 2 forced fumbles.
Postseason history : The Tigers have made the playoffs six years in a row. Playoff seasons : ’01, ’02, ’03, ’04, ’06, ’08, ’13, ’15, ’18, '19, '20, '21, '22, '23. Playoff record : 3-14.
2024 Holy Trinity schedule
Aug. 23 at MCC
Aug. 30 Orlando Christian Prep
Sep. 5 SFA Academy
Sep. 13 at Hardeeville
Sep. 20 Astronaut
Sep. 27 Foundation
Oct. 11 First Academy
Oct. 18 at Cocoa Beach
Nov. 1 at New Smyrna Beach
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Tour of Brevard: Holy Trinity grows up for 2024 season
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