EULESS – Despite an admittedly conservative approach to football, Euless Trinity coach Steve Lineweaver doesn't back away from taking a risk.

"It has a lot to do with the philosophy we try to teach the players," Lineweaver said. "Don't fear failure. Be bold. Safe is death."

Lineweaver took a chance in last year's Class 5A Division I area game against Southlake Carroll – a matchup of unbeaten teams.

With a 21-16 lead and 2:30 left, Trinity tried a fake punt on fourth-and-6 at its 32. The play lost 3 yards, and Carroll drove for a touchdown and a 22-21 win.

Lineweaver came under fire for the call.

"It bothered me that the game ended our season," Lineweaver said, "but the criticism from media and fans didn't bother me."

Trinity players say they backed their coach. "No one on the team thought anything about it at the time," tackle Josh Ayers said.

One of Lineweaver's risks helped Commerce win the 1999 Class 3A Division II state title over Sealy. With Commerce protecting a 17-10 lead at its 38, a running play on fourth-and-1 netted 3 yards and a first down.

In 1995, Commerce scored in the final minute to cut Sealy's lead to one in the first of three state title games. Rather than kick the extra point and share the state title (it was the last season before overtime), Lineweaver chose a two-point play for the win. The pass failed, and Commerce lost, 21-20.

"I'd go for the win again," Lineweaver told The News at the time. "But I might change the play."