Remember the Titans? Holy Trinity football transfers making an impact elsewhere
Long Beach's Joseph Henn catches a pass and turns upfield against Carey during a Nassau Conference II football game on Sept. 10, 2026. Credit: Derrick Dingle
Former Titans are everywhere making plays to start the high school football season.
Holy Trinity announced in July it would suspend its football program, forcing players to find new homes, and they’ve already made an impact.
Devin Michaels, Darnell Rink, Joe Henn, Tyler Jerrick, Marcus Abellard and Nathan Desir all delivered immediately for their respective teams. Former Holy Trinity head coach Gino Tassone attended numerous games featuring his former players.
“It’s like being a proud dad,” said Tassone, who now coaches at Kennedy Catholic in Westchester. “They were dealt a bad hand, and they bounced back, went through the adversity of finding new schools, winning jobs and then actually contributing. To start the season, they have all played their guts out and I’m extremely proud.”
Devin Michaels of St. John the Baptist during a timeout in the fourth quarter of a non league matchup against The Eagle III Academy on Saturday September 5, 2026 in West Islip. Credit: Michael A. Rupolo Sr.
Michaels had a terrific debut for St. John the Baptist. He threw for 161 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing score in a win over Eagle Academy III (Queens). He added a touchdown pass in a 48-0 win over St. Dominic to help St. John the Baptist improve to 2-0.
In the same game against Michaels, Darnell Rink, a wide receiver/defensive back for Eagle Academy III (Queens), had a 70-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and an interception.
“He brings energy to everything,” Eagle Academy III coach Kevin Williams said of Rink. “He came in as a leader, and it’s contagious. Everyone wants to block for him, and everyone’s listening to him in the huddle. His character is outperforming his athletic ability.”
Henn, now at Long Beach, had a memorable performance against Nassau Conference II powerhouse Carey. He registered nine catches for 136 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-26 loss. He’s also a starting linebacker for the Marines.
Jerrick was disruptive on the defensive line in Hills East’s 42-0 win over Lindenhurst. He had nine tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery.
Abellard, a wide receiver/defensive back, transferred to Cardinal Hayes in the Bronx. He scored the go-ahead touchdown with under a minute left to defeat Middletown, 30-28, in a dramatic win over the defending Delaware state champions.
“It was just a tremendous effort,” Cardinal Hayes coach CJ O’Neil said of the touchdown. “He made guy after guy miss, read his blocks and found a way into the end zone. He was a huge pickup for us.”
Desir has emerged as a starting defensive back for St. Anthony’s. The junior forced a fumble against St. Peter’s Prep (N.J.) and delivered multiple crushing hits through two games.
“Even though they’re playing on different teams, when they get the opportunity, they’re there to support each other,” Tassone said.
“The house is gone, but the family is still together.”
