Former Bulldog brings hometown roots, new systems to 2026-27 season.

Gabe Stark
Reporter

For Scott Stevens, becoming Trenton High School’s head football coach is more than the next step in his coaching career —it’s the fulfillment of a dream that began years ago on the sidelines in C.F. Russell Stadium.

A 2008 Trenton High School graduate, Stevens returns to his alma mater after building experience as a teacher, coach and administrator. He’s bringing with him a new vision for the Bulldogs while embracing the traditions that first inspired him to coach.

“I knew in high school that I wanted to be a teacher and a coach,” Stevens said. “Growing up, this was always a dream of mine to be the head football coach here in at Trenton.”

Stevens credits a former Trenton coach as one of the biggest influences on his career.

“I had a great coach when I was in high school,” Stevens said. “Coach (Wes) Croy was a guy I really looked up to, and that’s really what I try to be as a coach.”

After graduating from Trenton, Stevens attended Truman State University, where he played football while earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. He later completed a specialist degree in educational leadership.

His coaching career began at Schuyler County before he returned to Trenton for three years as a teacher, football coach and track coach. During his final season with the Bulldogs, he served as defensive coordinator before accepting the head coaching position at Brookfield, where he spent four seasons.

For the past five years, Stevens has served as Brookfield High School’s assistant principal, athletic director and food service director.

When the Trenton position became available, the timing felt right.

“This is home,” Stevens said. “My parents still live here, my brothers live here, and our kids are at a good age. If we were going to make a move, now was the time.”

Stevens said returning also allows him to spend more time with his family after balancing multiple administrative responsibilities.

“We were making that move with the idea that our kids are little,” Stevens said. “We want them to have the same kind of experience we had growing up. Hopefully this is the place where we retire and stay.”

While winning remain important, Stevens said his definition of success reaches far beyond the scoreboard.

“As a high school coach, your biggest goal should be building young men,” Stevens said. “You’re teaching them what it means to be a hard worker, what it means to face adversity and what it means to be a great person. If you can teach those things the right way, the wins will come with it.”

Stevens also praised former head coach Kevin Hixson for the foundation already in place.

“I’m very lucky stepping into this situation,” Stevens said. “Coach Hixson did a great job with this program. The leadership we have with this senior class says a lot about the work that’s already been done. It’s made this transition much easier.”

Although Trenton is learning an entirely new offense and defense, Stevens said the players have embraced the challenge throughout summer workouts.

“Our goal is to get better every single week,” Stevens said. “Everything is new, so there will be a learning period, but these guys are working their tails off and they’ve really responded.”

Assistant coach Jon Guthrie has already seen Stevens’ impact.

“Coach Stevens has done a really good job,” Guthrie said. “He brings a lot of energy to practice, keeps us organized and has done a great job bringing that defensive mindset with aggressive linebackers and a physical defensive line. He’s bringing really good energy to the program.”

That enthusiasm has also been noticed by the players.

“It’s been really good with Coach Stevens so far,” senior Matthew Kralchek said. “He brings really good energy to practices. I think he’s really changing everything here and making it a lot better.”

Senior Camden Skipper said the team has embraced the changes despite learning new systems on both sides of the ball.

“It’s been a great experience so far,” Skipper said. “He’s wanting to put a lot of new stuff in and change the culture here. I think we’re picking up everything really well.”

Skipper said one of the team’s strengths has been its willingness to adapt.

“We know the task at hand,” he said. “Brand new offense, new defense, new coaches — so we’re doing a great job adjusting to all of that and being really open to anything new they’re wanting to coach us on.”

Stevens believes leadership within the senior class has helped make that adjustment possible.

“I think we have a group of guys that really care about each other,” Stevens said. “They don’t care who gets the credit. They just want to be part of something great and leave a legacy here at Trenton High School.”

The Bulldogs will open the season with non-conference games against East Buchanan and Fayette before beginning Grand River Conference play in Week 3. Stevens said those first two games will help the team establish its identity before conference competition begins.

As excitement builds around the program, Stevens hopes the community will continue supporting the Bulldogs from the stands.

“C.F. Russell is a very unique place,” the head coach said. “When that place is loud, it’s special. The biggest thing the community can do is show up on Friday nights, cheer these kids on and be positive.”