Class 2A, No. 13 Triton Central getting healthy as chase for ICC title continues

Half of a game may be just what Class 2A, No. 13 Triton Central needed.

The Tigers defeated Covenant Christian on Friday, 40-0, in a game that never resumed after halftime due to lightning in the area. It was Triton Central’s most lopsided win this season.

“We were able to run (the ball) when we wanted. We were able to throw when we wanted,” said Triton Central head coach Tim Able. “We dictated when we wanted to do things.”

Able would like to see his Tigers (3-2, 2-1 Indiana Crossroads Conference) repeat that performance this week at Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter (1-3, 0-3 ICC), a much more experienced and athletic opponent than winless Covenant Christian.

The Raiders feature junior dual-threat quarterback Santana Allen, who has thrown for 636 yards and five touchdowns and rushed for 168 more yards and two touchdowns in four games this season. Ritter’s week two game was rained out.

“You always have to be aware of him running,” said Able. “He doesn’t throw a lot of deep balls. It’s short and intermediate at best.”

Allen passed for 1,851 yards and 13 touchdowns last season and ran for another 317 yards and 11 touchdowns. He had 260 yards passing and two touchdowns against Triton Central in a 48-14 loss at Mendenhall Field where the Tigers scored six TDs in the first half.

“We have to control the run game too,” said Able. “They have a big line of scrimmage and an athletic running back.”

Freshman Tavien Fox has 265 yards rushing and two touchdowns this season on 73 carries.

Allen’s favorite targets are senior Marshawnn Henderson (16 receptions, 159 yards) and Orayo Urayo (14 receptions, 234 yards).

Triton Central quarterback Sam Collier (photo) had the unenviable task of following three-year starter Jace Stuckey, who set multiple program records during his career. Collier has been rock solid completing 63% of his pass attempts for 874 yards and nine touchdowns.

During a preseason media session, junior receiver and defensive back Zeke Robertson expressed confidence in Collier from their previous years playing together.

“Sam might not have started yet but he was behind Jace Stuckey,” said Robertson then. “He will go out there and put on a show regardless because he is the varsity quarterback and he is experienced and he is a senior. We didn’t lose much and I think our passing game will be good this year.”

That chemistry has proven profitable for Robertson (photo), who leads the Tigers with 30 receptions for 445 yards and five touchdowns.

“He never leaves the field hardly,” said Able. “He is on everything except PAT (point after touchdown). He returns punts and kicks. And he runs some great deep routes.”

Chase Chandler (photo), a senior, also has worked well with Collier, catching 21 passes for 241 yards and two touchdowns.

Brayden Whitlow, a junior receiver, has been added to the receiving corps. He has past junior varsity experience with Collier. Another junior, Conner McClure, who has been dealing with an injury is ready to return to action as a receiver and defensive back.

There is only one unbeaten team left in the ICC – Class 2A, No. 7 Monrovia (4-1, 3-0 ICC). Triton Central (3-2, 2-1), Class 2A, No. 3 Indianapolis Lutheran (4-1, 2-1), Speedway (3-2, 2-1) and Indianapolis Scecina (2-3, 2-1) are one game back.

Monrovia is at Lutheran on Oct. 4.

Beech Grove (2-3, 1-2), Ritter (1-3, 0-3) and Covenant Christian (0-5, 0-3) complete the standings.

Class 2A, No. 13 Triton Central at Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter

Site: Reese Field at Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter High School.

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

2024 records: Triton Central 3-2, 2-1 ICC; Cardinal Ritter 1-3, 0-3 ICC.

Coaches: Tim Able, 104-39 in 12^th year at TC, 229-137 in 31^st year overall; Levar Johnson, 5-10 in second year at Cardinal Ritter.

Last meeting: Triton Central defeated Ritter at Mendenhall Field, 48-14, on Sept. 22, 2023.

Sagarin rating: Triton Central 63.10 (106th overall, 11^th in Class 2A); Cardinal Ritter 42.87 (204^th overall, 32^nd in Class 2A). Triton Central is an 18-point favorite.

Sectional 38: Class 2A, No. 13 Centerville (5-0), Northeastern (5-0), Class 2A, No. 11 Lapel (4-1), Class 2A, No. 13 Triton Central (3-2), Shenandoah (3-2), Union County (0-5), Class 2A, No. 15 Eastern Hancock (3-2) and Winchester (1-4).

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