Triton Central closes strong to finish off Hamilton Heights

A dominant fourth quarter propelled Triton Central to a 28-13 win over Hamilton Heights Friday at Mendenhall Field in Fairland.

The Tigers scored on its first two possessions of the final quarter and limited the Huskies to a pair of 3-and-out possessions following each touchdown.

Hamilton Heights’ final possession of the game ended with an interception by Cooper Marlin.

Triton Central led 14-13 at the start of the fourth quarter. On the second play of the possession, Matthew Wilkins put the ball in Zeke Robertson’s hands, and the senior raced 67 yards for a touchdown.

Robertson (photo) got around the Hamilton Heights defense, found the visitor’s sideline wide open and flashed the sprinter’s speed that has made him a two-time qualifier for the IHSAA state track and field finals in hurdling.

The Tigers’ ground game was stuck in neutral for three quarters but when they needed a push, one was found. After an incomplete pass, Bo West had back-to-back carries for 22 yards that pushed Triton Central to the Hamilton Heights’ 35-yard line.

From there, Braden Brown needed four consecutive carries to reach the end zone to increase the lead to 28-13 with 7:52 to go on the clock.

On the ground, Triton Central racked up just 96 yards on 37 carries.

Wilkins was more productive through the air completing 13 of 21 attempts for a career-high 218 yards and two touchdowns. The junior also found Brayden Whitlow (photo) in the corner of the end zone with 4:01 to go in the second quarter that produced a 14-7 halftime lead.

Robertson had a game-high eight catches for 153 yards.

The Huskies (0-2) finished off a 12-play, 84-yard drive in the third quarter that was aided by a pass interference call. Landon Hickman powered into the end from two yards out, but the extra point kick was blocked, keeping the Tigers in the lead.

Hamilton Heights quarterback Drew Woodruff completed 11 of 31 passes for 179 yards, including a 53-yard pass that resulted in a touchdown in the second quarter for Drew Duncan.

The Huskies’ 24 rushing attempts netted just 18 yards.

Next up for Triton Central is its first Hoosier Legends Conference game at Tri-West (2-0). The Bruins are led by junior quarterback Jack Sorgi, committed to Louisville, who has directed a 35-7 win at Western Boone and 47-29 win at Brebeuf to start this season.

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