(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski) LINE DRIVE: Princeton High football star Trevor Barsamian heads up the field last Thursday for the East squad at the Sunshine Classic all-star football game at The College of New Jersey. Barsamian, who mainly played running back during his career at PHS, was named the East’s Outstanding Lineman in the Sunshine game. The Franklin and Marshall-bound Barsamian made 11 tackles from the nose tackle position to help the East to a 27-20 victory.

PHS Running Back Barsamian Shows Versatility; Stars in Trenches as East Wins Sunshine Classic

Bill Alden

Trevor Barsamian made his name in local football circles as a hard-charging running back for the Princeton High squad.

In the 2009 season, the 5’11, 250-pound Barsamian rumbled for 762 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns in his senior year to help PHS go 7-3 and make the state playoffs.

This September, Barsamian is joining the Franklin and Marshall football program where he is slotted in at running back.

But last Thursday night at the Sunshine Classic all-star football game at The College of New Jersey, Barsamian showed he can be a force on defense, making several key plays at nose tackle for the East squad.

Barsamian’s heroics helped the East pull out a 27-20 win in the 13th Sunshine Classic and he was voted as his team’s Outstanding Lineman in the process.

In reflecting on his big night, Barsamian acknowledged that he surprised himself with his prowess in the trenches.

“Mike Riehl [of Hamilton High] was the starting fullback so I knew I wasn’t going to get too much time at there,” said Barsamian, who had 11 tackles on the evening.

“On defense, we had three nose tackles so you know when you are getting in there, you go 100 percent on every play because you are not getting tired. I wasn’t expecting to come in here and play defensive line because I didn’t play too much there over the season.”

The lineman honor was icing on the cake for Barsamian. “It’s nice to get an award in my last football game,” said Barsamian, who did play some offense last Thursday on short-yardage situations and had two kickoff returns.

“I like defensive line a lot and I tried to go as hard as I could. I wanted to help my teammates and make plays and I got an award for it. It feels good.”

The East squad had to play hard to subdue a gritty West team that rallied from a 14-0 halftime deficit to tie the game at 20-20 heading into the fourth quarter.

“We were playing well and we wanted to keep it going,” said Barsamian, who was joined on the East team by PHS teammates Brian Vieten, Josh Gordon, Nick Miranda, Joe Kirkenir, Skye Ettin, and Mike Olentine.

“That kickoff return in the second half (a 94-yard scoring jaunt by the West’s Teddy Fully) took a little wind out of us. Then, the defense kind of stepped it up and we held them on a couple of drives. It got our momentum going.”

For Barsamian, getting back on the gridiron for the Sunshine Classic helped give him some extra momentum as he prepares to play on the next level for Franklin and Marshall.

“You have been out of football for so long; you have finals and graduation and your mind is wandering on all these other things,” said Barsamian.

“You get back in the swing of things. This is what it is like to hit, this is what a game feels like. It makes you want to work harder because you remember how much fun it is.”

It was fun for Barsamian to bond with his teammates on the East squad during their week of practice leading up to Thursday’s contest.

“It is interesting to play with all these other guys from different teams; it’s a like different perspective,” said Barsamian.

“You get to hang out with guys who have been your enemies over your four years. You realize that they are great guys. It gives you confidence that you can make friends quickly. It brings everybody together, regardless of where you come from, you are all on the same team and all trying to achieve the same goal.”

As he looks ahead to starting his football career at Franklin and Marshall, Barsamian’s main goal for this fall is to get on the field.

“They brought in a big class with a bunch of kids in my position,” said
Barsamian.

“I have a bunch of competition but I think it will be good for me. Hopefully I can play special teams just to get on the field and get it started. I will work hard this summer and work hard in training camp. We’ll see what happens.”

No matter how much playing time Barsamian sees in his freshman season, he is confident a lot of good things will happen during his time at Franklin and Marshall.

“I loved the campus; it wasn’t too far away but far enough away,” said Barsamian.

“My parents can come see me play, it is nice. I love Coach Troxell [head coach John Troxell]. I have to work hard. It is a great school and I think I am going to have a good time there.”

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