SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
Trinity Catholic Celtics
With a strong nucleus of returning talent and a culture built on consistency, Trinity Catholic enters the 2025 football season prepared to compete in a rugged Heart of America League and Class 1A District 7.
“We are extremely excited about the upcoming 2025 season,” said head coach Jordan Bell, who begins his 12th season at the helm of the Celtics. “As a coaching staff, we are looking forward to coaching a football team that is eager to learn and work extremely hard.”
Trinity is coming off a 4-6 season in 2024, which included the program’s eighth straight playoff appearance. The Celtics will bring back eight offensive starters and nine on defense, along with 13 total returning lettermen.
The projected 26-man roster is the program’s smallest in several years, due in part to a small sophomore class. But Bell is confident the team’s core leadership and work ethic will carry it forward.
“Leadership will need to continue to grow with the senior and junior classes,” Bell said. “Continued development of underclassmen will remain a priority to sustain the success of the football program in future years.”
Returning on offense are senior quarterback Drew Dechant, wide receivers Kaid McElgunn and Sam Vogel, tight end Bentyn Chastain, and linemen Eli Bigger, Isaac Hammersmith, Lucas Griffith, and Gage Schroeder. The Celtics will again operate from multiple formations with an emphasis on balance.
“The offense will continue to operate out of multiple formations with an emphasis on a 50/50 run/pass percentage,” Bell said.
Defensively, Trinity will field an experienced group expected to play with intensity and purpose. Nine starters return, including linebackers Chastain, Griffith, and Luke Kerns, and defensive backs Dechant, Roberto Guerrero, and McElgunn.
“The defensive unit will play fast, physical and with great effort,” Bell said.
Senior Drew Dechant is also expected to handle punting duties, while McElgunn returns as a primary return specialist. Placekicking duties are still to be determined.
The 2025 schedule will once again challenge the Celtics, with four opponents, Sedgwick, Conway Springs, Medicine Lodge, and Sterling, having all won at least one playoff game a year ago. Trinity opens the season Sept. 5 at home against Inman.
The program continues to benefit from its commitment to year-round strength development, including Zero Hour and summer contact camps.
“With nine full years of Zero Hour under our belt, the overall strength of the football program is getting where it needs to be,” Bell said.
2025 Schedule
Sept. 5 vs. Inman
Sept. 12 at Sedgwick
Sept. 19 at Remington
Sept. 26 vs. South Sumner
Oct. 3 vs. Conway Springs
Oct. 10 at Ellinwood
Oct. 17 vs. Medicine Lodge
Oct. 24 at Sterling