Townsend leaves legacy at Dunnellon, excited for the next chapter

Dunnellon’s quarterback Trent Townsend (15) throws a pass against Vanguard during a football game at Dunnellon High School in Dunnellon, Fla. on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020. Dunnellon won the game 30-28. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

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Posted November 26, 2021 | By Joel Bronson
joel@ocalagazette.com

There’s a lot that can be said for a quarterback who started all four years of high school.

A lot can also be said for a quarterback who led his team to four-straight district titles during his career.

For Dunnellon Tigers’ quarterback Trent Townsend, he can say both.

As a prep player, Townsend threw for 5,595 yards and 54 touchdowns. He also rushed for 861 yards and 12 touchdowns, proving to be a true dual threat behind center.

During those four consecutive district titles with Townsend at the helm the Tigers never lost in regular season district play-going a perfect 15-0.

In those 15 games, Townsend threw for 28 touchdowns with only two interceptions.

Without a doubt, the kid is a gamer.

Price Harris, head football coach for the Tigers, will attest to that.

“What Trent has done in four years has been quite remarkable,” Harris said. “You sometimes don’t even realize what he’s accomplished because he has done it so quietly and unassumingly.”

Townsend has quietly and unassumingly led the Tigers to two state semifinal appearances, in addition to those four district championships.

Even with his status as captain and starting quarterback, Townsend has been the consummate teammate and student-athlete.

“In four years, Trent has never missed a practice,” Harris said. “He’s never missed a summer workout, either.”

Whether the team needed a clutch throw or a big-time run, Harris said that Townsend was always there to do what was needed for the team to win.

“For four years, I never worried about who my starting quarterback would be,” Harris said. “I always knew what we would get every Friday night.”

“I will miss him,” Harris added.

Townsend was spectacular on the field, but equally tremendous in the classroom, earning a 3.8 GPA during his four years at Dunnellon.

In the community, Townsend has found time to devote himself to outreach and volunteer work. He been a constant with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Dunnellon as well as volunteering with youth football and baseball leagues.

Townsend has also spent time reading with elementary students in the “Tigers to Cubs” Reading Program.

College looms on the horizon for Townsend, who wants to be an engineer when he’s done with his football playing days.

“I would like to be an electrical engineer,” Townsend said. “My older brother is an electrician, so hopefully we can open a business together. Right now, I am focusing on getting somewhere to play football.”

Townsend’s recruitment is open to all potential college football programs.

“I have sent my stuff out and my coaches (at Dunnellon) have been great at sending my information and video to college programs,” Townsend said.

With the kind of student-athlete Townsend has been, college football programs would be lucky to have him.