Triton Central holds off hard-charging Monrovia for Hoosier Legends Conference victory

Triton Central lost its season opener to Batesville when the defense failed to keep the Bulldogs out of the end zone in overtime.

On Friday, once again at Mendenhall Field, the defense was challenged with stopping a late score to win the game.

This time Triton Central did not fail. After Monrovia scored in the game’s final minute to cut the lead to 28-27, the Bulldogs went for the win. But it was Triton Central that did the celebrating after the two-point conversion was stopped.

The Tigers improved to 3-4 (2-3 Hoosier Legends Conference) with the 28-27 victory.

Monrovia dropped to 2-5 (1-4 HLC).

Triton Central quarterback Matthew Wilkins (photo) threw for three touchdowns in the win, including a 75-yarder in the fourth quarter to extend the lead to 28-14.

Monrovia was not done. The Bulldogs finished off a 61-yard scoring drive with a 15-yard completion to cut the lead back to seven at 28-21.

Monrovia went for an onside kick and recovered but an interception gave the ball back to the Tigers.

Triton Central had to punt back to Monrovia but put the Bulldogs at their own 16-yard line.

Monrovia moved into position to strike with less than one minute on the scoreboard and produced its second passing touchdown of the game.

Rather than play for overtime, Monrovia went for the win.

Triton Central heads to Lizton next Friday to face Class 3A, No. 8 Tri-West (5-2, 4-1 HLC) before finishing at home against 3A, No. 5 Indian Creek (7-0, 5-0 HLC) on Oct. 16.

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