Class 2A, No. 5 Triton Central preps for another strong Indiana Crossroads Conference opponent

Ending Indianapolis Lutheran’s 45-game win streak made for an exciting week three win. That success is carrying over into week four for Triton Central, who jumped to No. 5 in this week’s Indiana Football Coaches Association’s Class 2A poll.

“It’s been tough but not bad,” said Triton Central head coach Tim Able about the accolades that followed the upset victory in Fairland. “You know human nature, with every emotional high there is an emotional low.”

There is no off week for the Tigers (2-1), who hit the road Friday for Monrovia (2-1) and the unique challenges its run-centric offense provides.

“They are good … really solid,” said Able. “It’s more of the exact same thing (as in the past). It’s one scheme with three or four wrinkle plays. They run the same plays just in different order. And if they get one play going they will stay with it.”

The Bulldogs finished the 2023 season with a 9-3 record for head coach Andy Olson, now 26-24 in his fifth season at Monrovia. Senior running backs Brayton Belcher (1,801 rushing yards, 25 touchdowns) and Dominic Kindle (1,315 rushing yards, 11 TDs) combined for more than 3,000 yards.

“It’s hard to simulate what they do,” said Able (photo). “They don’t throw it much.”

Senior quarterback Eli Welch had just 34 passing attempts all last season.

Graduation means Olson installed new athletes into key positions and the offense has already racked up more than 1,000 yards rushing in three games.

Senior Nick Bryant leads a new trio of featured backs with 409 yards and five touchdowns. Seniors Ryder Pool (292 yards) and Jozy Hand (206 yards) each have scored three touchdowns.

Junior Clay Thacker is 12-of-23 passing for 144 yards and two touchdowns in his varsity quarterback debut.

“Their quarterback is a really good system quarterback,” said Able. “He is quick and hides the ball really well.”

Similarly, Monrovia has to prepare for a team that can throw the ball down the field. Senior quarterback Sam Collier (photo) completed 26 passes for 310 yards and two touchdowns in Triton Central’s 16-13 win over Lutheran – the three-time defending Class A state champions.

“It will be hard for them to simulate us,” said Able.

Collier connected with Zeke Robertson (photo) a program single-game record 15 times for 195 yards (fourth best all-time at TC) and two touchdowns last Friday.

“We are trying not to put too much on his plate.” said Able of his senior quarterback, “He is dang good for a three-game varsity starter.”

The win over Lutheran puts Triton Central in the early lead for the Indiana Crossroads Conference title. A win over Monrovia would go a long way to separating the Tigers from the rest of the pack with the softer part of its ICC schedule ahead.

Able believes a fast start at Monrovia is key. Triton Central cannot let Monrovia take the lead then ground up the clock with its strong rushing attack.

“The start of the game is always huge (with Monrovia),” he said. “It’s a lot more fun to play ahead of them when you can make them want to pass more.”

Class 2A, No. 5 Triton Central at Class 2A, No. 12 Monrovia

Site: Hadley Field in Monrovia.

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

2024 records: Triton Central 2-1, 1-0 ICC; Monrovia 2-1, 1-0 ICC.

Coaches: Tim Able, 103-38 in 12^th year at TC, 228-136 in 31^st year overall; Andy Olson, 26-24 in fifth year at Monrovia.

2023 records: Triton Central 11-2; Monrovia 9-3.

Last meeting: Triton Central defeated Monrovia at Mendenhall Field, 55-28, on Sept. 8, 2023.

Series record: Triton Central leads the series 12-5.

Sagarin rating: Triton Central 62.85 (105th overall, 11^th in Class 2A); Monrovia 70.68 (119th overall, 3rd in Class 2A). Monrovia is a 10-point favorite.

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