Triton Central ready to defend traveling trophy at Tri-West

Triton Central was doing everything it wanted against Monrovia.

A more balanced offensive attack built a 21-0 lead into the third quarter. A focused defensive attack kept the Bulldogs’ heralded rushing game in check.

Then Monrovia flipped the script and started attacking the Tigers’ young defensive backfield. And the comeback was on.

A trio of fourth quarter touchdowns almost stole the win at Mendenhall Field. But Monrovia went for the win with a 2-point conversion run that was stuffed and Triton Central prevailed 28-27.

“We’re still a little out of sorts in the secondary,” admitted Triton Central head coach Tim Kegley. “We are still trying to get kids comfortable when they are playing out of position. Our focus was to stop the run game and when you are limited in personnel and the other team does the opposite of what you expected them to do, it was really weird. The game plan changed mid-game and we didn’t adapt.”

Monrovia quarterback Michael Terrell arrived in Fairland with 537 yards passing yards this season on just 105 attempts. With the run game shut down, Terrell put the ball in the air – 38 times to be exact for 371 yards and two touchdowns.

“Our secondary has been a mess all season long. We are trying to get it fixed before it matters,” said Kegley.

Triton Central (3-4, 2-3 Hoosier Legends Conference) ended a two-game losing streak with a strong performance from quarterback Matthew Wilkins (two rushing touchdowns, two passing touchdowns) that was bolstered by a career-high 103 rushing yards from Tevian Faulkner (photo) and 214 receiving yards from Henry Kemper.

“He’s been really good all year long,” said Kegley of his quarterback that is learning not to force passes and take the rushing yards the defense allows. “We will go as far as he takes us. He’s really important to us.”

In the last two games, Kemper (photo) has 24 receptions for 356 yards and three touchdowns. The senior is closing in on Dakota Nelson’s program record for receptions in a season (68 in 2011) and Brad Schultz’s record for receiving yards in a season (1,122 in 2022).

Kemper is sitting at 53 catches for 825 yards entering week eight. He now has 1,313 career receiving yards – fourth best all-time at Triton Central.

The Tigers have yet to win two games in a row this season. That is one challenge Friday when Triton Central travels to Lizton face Class 3A, No. 7 Tri-West (5-2, 4-1 HLC).

Keeping the traveling trophy (photo, interstate sign) that debuted last season is another challenge. It’s been hanging in Triton Central’s lockerroom since last year’s 17-14 win over the Bruins.

“We are going to put in on the bus, win and bring it right back home,” said Kegley.

The Tigers secondary could get a reprieve in week eight if Wisconsin recruit Jack Sorgi (101 completions for 1,467 yards, 13 touchdowns, team-leading 354 yards rushing, six TDs) misses a second straight game. The senior quarterback did not play in the Bruins’ 35-6 win over Beech Grove. His status for Friday is still up in the air.

“I anticipate it will be (Braxton) Fleece and not Sorgi,” said Kegley. “Fleece offers his own set of concerns. He runs well. He is a fast, elusive kid and he seems pretty accurate.”

Fleece, also a senior, completed 11 of 17 passes for 141 yards and three touchdowns last week in the battle for second place in the HLC. He also racked up 71 yards rushing and another touchdown.

“We have got to contain him,” said Kegley.

Tri-West remains one game behind 3A No. 5 Indian Creek (7-0, 5-0 HLC) in the conference standings. The Bruins need a win to maintain the goal of winning the HLC title.

Indian Creek is at Beech Grove (5-2, 3-2 HLC) this week. The Braves are at Triton Central in the regular season finale on Oct. 16.

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