Triton Central moves past toughest part of schedule, ready to chase ICC title

Three of Class 2A, No. 10 Triton Central’s first four opponents this season are ranked in the top 10 of this week’s state coaches poll. Of the Tigers’ final five regular-season opponents, only one currently has a winning record.

This week, Triton Central (2-2, 1-1 Indiana Crossroads Conference) closes out Homecoming Week with a first-ever meeting with the ICC’s newest member, Covenant Christian (0-4, 0-2 ICC).

“We need to get healthy. We need to start playing up to our potential,” said Triton Central head coach Tim Able. “We need to start cleaning up the penalties, eliminating the mental mistakes and gel as a team.”

The learning curve was steep for a Triton Central program that graduated an outstanding group of skill position players. While confident, the Tigers started the season with a new quarterback, running back and group of wide receivers with little varsity experience now in key roles. The schedule did them no favors.

The Tigers opened the season with a 21-14 loss to Class 3A, No. 9 Batesville (4-0) then pulled out a 17-14 overtime win at Hamilton Heights (0-4). The young squad grew up in a hurry and defeated then 2A No. 1 Indianapolis Lutheran, 16-13, in week three to snap the Saints’ 45-game win streak.

However, the team did not handle that success well and struggled at 2A No. 8 Monrovia last Friday and lost 35-21.

“We were overconfident last week and got humbled,” said Able (photo). “We tried to forewarn them. We were flat on Monday and Tuesday (at practice), better on Wednesday and Thursday. You get patted on the back too many times then your chest sticks out too much and your butt gets kicked.”

Monrovia (3-1, 2-0 ICC) racked up more than 400 yards rushing with its vaunted ground game. The Tigers fell behind early and never got control of the contest.

“They are stout. They have a good line of scrimmage, three running backs and they are good at what they do,” said Able. “It’s hard to stop that green machine. Their coach said it may be the best team since 2016.”

Monrovia and Speedway (3-1, 2-0) now stand tall at the top of the conference standings. Lutheran, Beech Grove, Indianapolis Scecina and Triton Central are all 1-1. Indianapolis Ritter and Covenant Christian – TC’s next two opponents – are 0-2.

Covenant Christian finished 7-4 last season with sophomore quarterback Connor Cruz throwing for 2,631 yards and 33 touchdowns. Cruz transferred to Mooresville leaving freshmen Blake Stewart and Zeb Cox to share the signal-calling duties.

“They rotated them during the summer,” said Able, who played Covenant Christian during the summer workout period. “They are young. They are trying to find their way. They are inexperienced like we are and are playing a tough schedule.”

Head coach Evan Cottle is not afraid to put the ball in the air. His two freshmen quarterbacks are a combined 68-of-117 passing (58% completion rate) for 566 yards and three touchdowns, but they have thrown eight interceptions.

“Their run game is not their forte. They try to spread it out and give you a passing game,” said Able. “We need to force them to run a little bit.”

Senior Jeremiah Downdell is the leading rusher with 37 carries for 132 yards. He also is one of five players with at least seven receptions.

Triton Central’s offensive dynamic is still in flux. A veteran offensive line has yet to establish a consistent rushing attack. Sophomore Kade Stephens (photo) is new to the feature back role on Friday nights.

“Kade is pretty healthy right now,” said Able. “He got through those first four games. We will use some other kids this week to get some carries and keep working on our depth, on both sides of the ball.”

Stephens has 254 yards rushing and two touchdowns through his first four games.

Senior Sam Collier has been as advertised – efficient with his throws – connecting with junior Zeke Robertson (21 receptions, 271 yards) and senior Chase Chandler (19 receptions, 210 yards) a total of 40 times.

Collier has completed 59% of his pass attempts for 745 yards and six touchdowns with just two interceptions.

Covenant Christian at Class 2A, No. 10 Triton Central

Site: Mendenhall Field in Fairland.

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

TC Student Theme: Blackout with neon accessories.

Promotion: Pig Roast from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to benefit TCTA’s scholarship fund. Meal includes pulled pork, chips, cookie and drink.

2024 records: Covenant Christian 0-4, 0-2 ICC; Triton Central 2-2, 1-1 ICC.

Coaches: Evan Cottle, 22-17 in fourth year at Covenant Christian; Tim Able, 103-39 in 12^th  year at TC, 228-137 in 31^st year overall.

Last meeting: This is the first game between the two programs.

Sagarin rating: Covenant Christian 25.66 (272^nd overall, 52^nd in Class 2A); Triton Central 60.17 (119th overall, 15^th in Class 2A). Triton Central is a 35-point favorite.

Sectional 38: Class 2A, No. 16 Centerville (4-0), Northeastern (4-0), Class 2A, No. 8 Lapel (4-0), Class 2A, No. 10 Triton Central (2-2), Shenandoah (2-2), Union County (0-4), Class 2A, No. 15 Eastern Hancock (2-2) and Winchester (0-4).

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