The Trinity Knights are entering one of the most transformative seasons in recent program history.

Following one season under former head coach Dave Eastham, longtime assistant Joe Visconti takes over the program for the first time. At the same time, Trinity returns to eight-man football, reunites with familiar opponents and renews its annual Faith Bowl rivalry with Santa Clarita Christian.

While the Knights graduate several key contributors from last year’s team, Visconti believes the foundation is in place for Trinity to build a competitive program centered around teamwork, versatility and player development.

For Visconti, who has spent the past six seasons as an assistant coach, accepting the head coaching position was never about advancing his coaching career. Instead, it was about providing stability for the players after Eastham’s departure late in the offseason.

“It really wasn’t a hiring process,” Visconti said. “I wanted to make sure the program stayed steady and take care of the boys because it really was more about the boys than anything else.”

That player-first mindset has already become the foundation of the program’s identity.

“Football is football, but life is bigger than football,” Visconti said. “It’s good to teach these kids it’s okay to do hard things. It’s okay to do things you don’t think you can accomplish, but push yourself to be better. That’s truly what football is about.”

Transitioning Back to Eight-Man Football

One of the biggest changes for Trinity this season comes with its return to eight-man football after spending last year competing in the 11-man game.

While the format features fewer players on the field, Visconti believes many of the fundamentals remain unchanged.

“You can still run some of the same schemes,” Visconti said. “At the end of the day, it’s still blocking, tackling, running and catching. It’s still football.”

The move also better matches Trinity’s roster numbers while bringing back familiar opponents and the return of the Faith Bowl rivalry against Santa Clarita Christian.

“I think it’s one of those games you circle on your calendar,” Visconti said. “It’s really good to have some local competition.”

Although Trinity will have to replace several standout seniors, including 1,400-yard rusher Hudson Sweitzer, leading tackler Patrick Cherry, defensive lineman Luke Hernandez and pass rusher John Ryan, Visconti believes the transition to eight-man football allows his roster’s versatility to shine.

Probably one of the biggest losses is Andrew Carlson, who will not be returning to the program for his senior year.

John Carlson applies pressure on The Webb Schools quarterback as he releases the ball.
Steven Barrera | KHTS

A season ago, Carlson threw for more than 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns while adding 863 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. Defensively, he recorded 46 tackles, three tackles for loss and tied for the team lead with three interceptions.

Visconti said bluntly, “You don’t replace those guys.”

Versatility Will Lead the Way

One of the expected leaders of this year’s team is junior Aiden Visconti, who emerged as Trinity’s top receiving threat with 415 receiving yards and five touchdowns while also rushing for 334 yards. Like Carlson, he contributed on defense, tying for the team lead with three interceptions.

Visconti expects much of the offense to flow through Aiden this fall while several younger players continue to develop.

Aiden Visconti breezes by a defender and into the end zone for his first touchdown of the night. (2024 season)
Steven Barrera | KHTS

“He’s going to probably lead a lot of the offense,” Visconti said. “A lot of the offense is going to run through him.”

Another player expected to make a major impact is junior Cade Herta, who finished just one tackle shy of the team lead last season while totaling three sacks, three tackles for loss and two interceptions. Sophomore defensive lineman Eric Clark also returns after leading the Knights with three sacks as a freshman while adding six tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries.

Visconti also pointed to several emerging contributors, including Matthew Te Winkle, Sam Carroll and Jacob Lensch, as players ready to take on larger roles this season.

While replacing last year’s senior class won’t be easy, Visconti knows it won’t fall on one player.

Building Something Bigger Than Football

For Visconti, success this season won’t be measured strictly by wins and losses.

Instead, he hopes the Knights continue growing both on and off the field while embracing the challenges that come with a new coaching staff and a return to eight-man football.

“Camaraderie, teamwork and building young men… wins and losses will come, but if I can get some of these young men to latch onto the adversity they’ve had and build with it, I think it’s going to be a great year,” Visconti said. 

After watching many of his players grow up through youth football, Visconti said leading this group carries special meaning.

“I’ve watched these boys become young men,” Visconti said. “The growth has been pretty amazing.”

As Trinity begins a new chapter, the Knights hope a combination of experienced playmakers, promising young talent and a renewed identity in eight-man football will position the program for long-term success.

“Our biggest goal right now is to build the program,” Visconti said. “The more support and the more time we get help us build these young men.”

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