Triton Central closes regular season against unbeaten Indian Creek

Triton Central football head coach Tim Kegley still sees a team growing together. The inevitability of a season nearing an end seems to be fueling a new determination in Fairland.

The first practice following a disheartening 45-12 loss at Tri-West Friday was spirited.

“I saw good things at practice Monday,” said Kegley Tuesday morning. “Things I’ve been waiting for – player to player accountability.

“The older guys are realizing how close the end is. They are holding people accountable, but actions have to follow or it’s worthless.”

Despite a 33-point loss to the Bruins, Kegley saw one of his team’s best defensive efforts of the season. The defensive line kept consistent pressure on Tri-West quarterback and Wisconsin commit Jack Sorgi.

“I felt really good about our effort,” said Kegley. “We are getting guys back (from injuries) which has been helpful.”

Triton Central’s defense produced three quarterback sacks, eight tackles for loss and 12 hurries.

Indiana Wesleyan commit Dallas Clarke (photo) led a pesky defensive front with five tackles and five hurries.

Knox Coen (photo) had four tackles, a sack and a fumble caused.

Wyatt Viles (top photo) and Zayne Ficklin (bottom photo) each had three tackles and two hurries.

Kye West (photo) had two tackles and a sack.

“It’s the best defensive showing since Beech Grove (14-7 win on Sept. 11),” said Kegley. “We executed really well defensively. We are still missing tackles.”

Triton Central’s defense is surrendering 26.1 ppg this season – the most since 2004 when the Tigers went 3-7. Offensively, the Tigers are averaging 22 ppg – lowest since the 2017 team that averaged 20.8 ppg.

Kegley believes better offensive possessions will help the defense.

“When we turn the ball over multiple times we lose,” he said.

Triton Central’s turnover margin in its five losses this season is minus-7. In its three wins, it’s plus-3.

At Tri-West, quarterback Matthew Wilkins threw two interceptions and lost a fumble – all in the first half in Lizton.

The return of senior Cooper Marlin (photo) should bolster a run game that has been sporadic at best this season. He did not play at Tri-West after returning one week earlier in the Tigers’ 28-27 win over Monrovia. Swelling around the collarbone he broke two days before the season opener forced Kegley to rest him another week.

The goal is to have Marlin fully ready to play on both sides of the ball in the postseason.

“He will play mostly offense Friday. We will keep him off defense,” said Kegley. “He looks great, fast and explosive.”

Marlin will join Landon Ball, Tevian Faulkner and even leading receiver Henry Kemper in the backfield in an effort to establish a run game and take pressure off Wilkins throwing the ball.

Triton Central is the defending Hoosier Legends Conference champion and the only team left to keep Class 3A, No. 5 Indian Creek (8-0, 6-0 HLC) from clinching the conference title outright.

If Triton Central defeats Indian Creek Friday and Tri-West wins at Greenwood, the Braves and Bruins would share the 2026 title.

Kegley knows closing the regular season schedule with Tri-West and Indian Creek is preparing the Tigers for the postseason.

“Indian Creek is not flashy. They just take care of business,” said Kegley. “They play great defense and are a physical team. It will be a good test for us.”

The Braves are trying to complete their first unbeaten regular season since 2014.

Quarterback Evan Clark has thrown for 1,470 yards and 23 touchdowns this season.

The offense starts with a physical run game led by Patrick Dowty (559 rushing yards, seven touchdowns) and Drew Pingleton (289 yards, five TDs).

Clark’s favorite target is Hunter Worley (39 receptions, 764 yards, 12 TDs).

Class 2A, Sectional 37

After the Indiana High School Athletic Association released the sectional pairings Sunday night for the upcoming state football tournament, Triton Central’s seniors learned Friday’s home game with Indian Creek will not be their final game at Mendenhall Field.

The Tigers will host Indianapolis Scecina (1-7) on Oct. 23 in a quarterfinal round contest. Triton Central defeated the Crusaders in week two this season, 30-3.

A win would likely set up a short road trip north to face Class 2A, No. 3 Indianapolis Lutheran (7-0) in the semifinals. No. 4 ranked Eastern Hancock (8-0) is in the bottom half of the bracket.

“We got a decent draw … not terrible and not great,” said Kegley. “It allows us to play a familiar opponent first. It’s somebody we’ve had success with in recent years.”

Triton Central has won four straight over Scecina and is victorious in five of the last six meetings.

That success rate flips in meetings with Lutheran. Triton Central has lost five of its last six meetings with the Saints.

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