Janzel Trinidad putting on show for co-op team

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HS football notebook: Janzel Trinidad putting on show for co-op team

Starring for Lowell Catholic/Collegiate Charter/NDA squad

By James Albert | Correspondent

A year ago, the Lowell Catholic/CCSL/NDA co-op football team took its lumps, finishing 1-9.

But throughout those tough months, head coach Zack Swale knew the program had something special in running back Janzel Trinidad. It was just a matter of giving him some running room.

Through week two, Trinidad’s outstanding protection from five new offensive linemen has led the team to a terrific 2-0 start and helped him post impressive numbers.

The team combines students from Lowell Catholic, Collegiate Charter School of Lowell and the Academy of Notre Dame.

This past Friday night, the 5-foot-10, 160-pounder led the Crusaders to a 29-8 win over Minuteman Tech with 29 carries for 255 yards and three touchdowns.

The week before, in a 26-3 win over Chelsea, he had 20 rushes for 148 yards and two touchdowns, plus a 17-yard reception.

In two games, he has run 49 carries for 403 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 8.2 yards per carry.

“We have always known he was a talented player, but he came into the season bigger physically,” said Swale. “He probably put on 15 to 20 pounds from last year. He sees the holes well and never goes down on first contact. Often, he can make something out of nothing. Even if the hole closes, he can see an opening and make it happen. He has great field vision. We asked a lot of him the other night; 29 carries are never easy. Of those 29 carries, he had only one for negative yards, and four for 20 yards or more. He makes the offensive coaches’ jobs a little bit easier.”

The Collegiate Charter senior said his linemen deserve a lot of credit.

“I’m excited that the team is 2-0,” he said. “I know I still have some things to clean up, and I’m working to get better every day.  I felt like I had good vision on the field (Friday night). I’m very thankful to the linemen who opened the holes for me. I wouldn’t have had (the 225 yards) without them. I’m looking forward to continuing to help this team go in the right direction for the rest of the season.”

Trinidad and his teammates will travel to host Malden (1-1) in a non-league game on Friday night.

PUBLISHED: September 24, 2026 at 5:40 AM EDT

Photo: @PVisual