Triton Central opens conference football schedule with top team in Class 2A

Hall of Fame football coach Tim Able is 4-7 against Dave Pasch’s Indianapolis Lutheran program since his hiring in 2013. Those four wins came in their first six meetings. 

Pasch’s Saints have now won five straight against Able’s Tigers and will be seeking a sixth consecutive win Friday at Mendenhall Field in Fairland. 

No program has been better than Lutheran the last three seasons. Pasch has guided the Saints to the last three Class A state titles and the program has won 45 consecutive games dating back to its last loss, a 46-38 defeat to Covenant Christian on Nov. 6, 2000.

“They have great athletes and a consistent staff,” said Able of the Saints’ success. “He (Pasch) is the CEO of it all. He has good offensive and defensive coordinators. They seem to find different pieces each year to replace what they lost.”

One constant of the last two state championship teams has been quarterback Jackson Willis, now a senior. He threw for 4,186 yards and 55 touchdowns as a sophomore and 2,555 yards and 31 touchdowns as a junior. Ranked as a 3-star recruit by 247Sports, Willis is not yet committed to playing at the collegiate level.

“He is good. He puts it on the money and gets it out quick,” said Able.

Lost to graduation from the 2023 state champions is running back Braydon Hall, who ran for 2,117 yards and 32 touchdowns. Leading receiver Jeremiah King (30 receptions, 474 yards) also graduated while junior lineman Cameron McHaney transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

“We have got to play well, be steady and execute,” said Able. “We had ample opportunities last week. We have got to execute the plan … and know the plan, know their personnel and what they want to do.”

Triton Central avoided its first 0-2 start to the season since 2004 with a 17-14 overtime win Saturday afternoon at Hamilton Heights. The Tigers relied on their rushing game to control the line of scrimmage but struggled to finish drives and get separation from the Huskies (0-2).

“We had multiple opportunities to win the game in regulation … penalty city,” said Able. “We find ways to shoot ourselves in the foot. The kids fought hard though. The defense was taking charge.”

Friday’s meeting with Lutheran is the final regular-season game between the two programs for the near future. Triton Central is leaving the Indiana Crossroads Conference to join Speedway, Beech Grove, Monrovia, Indian Creek and Tri-West in the Hoosier Legends Conference.

Lutheran will remain in the ICC with Indianapolis-based Cardinal Ritter, Scecina, Covenant Christian and new additions Greenwood Christian and Heritage Christian.

However, Lutheran’s success dominating the Class A level has elevated the program to the 2A level, where it is currently ranked No. 1. 

If Triton Central and Lutheran win sectional titles later this season, they will clash in a regional championship game. 

Class 2A, No. 1 Indianapolis Lutheran at Class 2A, No. 16 Triton Central at Hamilton Heights

Site: Mendenhall Field in Fairland.

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

TC student theme: USA (red, white and blue)

2024 records: Indianapolis Lutheran 2-0; Triton Central 1-1.

Coaches: Dave Pasch, 153-53 in 17^th year at Lutheran, 218-110 in 28^th year overall; Tim Able, 102-38 in 12^th  year at TC, 227-136 in 31^st year overall.

2023 records: Indianapolis Lutheran 13-0; Triton Central 11-2.

Last meeting: Indianapolis Lutheran defeated Triton Central, 43-13, on Sept. 1, 2023.

Series record: Indianapolis Lutheran leads the series 7-5.

Sagarin rating: Indianapolis Lutheran 74.02 (51^st in state overall, 3^rd in Class 2A); Triton Central 67.88 (91^st in state overall, 7^th in Class 2A). Indianapolis Lutheran is a 4-point favorite.

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