Triton Central turns attention to Shenandoah to keep two postseason streaks going

Triton Central has a “12-6” mentality in preparation for its Class 2A, Sectional 38 semifinal game Friday at Shenandoah.

The Tigers, now 8-2, are seeking their 12^th-consecutive appearance in a football sectional championship game and chasing a sixth consecutive sectional championship.

A win over the Raiders in Middletown Friday would guarantee that 12^th straight sectional championship game will be played in Fairland against either Lapel (7-3) or Centerville (9-1).

In Triton Central’s 62-6 win last Friday at winless Union County, head coach Tim Able was able to insert the junior varsity unit in the second quarter to finish the contest.

“The kids got a good week of practice,” said Able. “They played well in the game. Got up 41-0 and the junior varsity played about two-and-a-half quarters.”

While the Tigers had essentially a bye week where it was able to rest its starters, Shenandoah (6-4) had to rally from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat Winchester in overtime, 30-24.

Trailing 17-16 with six minutes left to play, Shenandoah quarterback Jarrett Helman (photo) drove his team 82 yards with quick completions and long scrambles to get the Raiders a 24-17 lead.

Winchester rallied to tie the game with 35 seconds left and send the game to overtime.

The Golden Falcons had the ball first but were forced into a fourth-and six play. Quarterback Aidan Weatherhead was stuffed by Helman, who doubles as a defensive back, and linebacker Jacob Brown to give the Raiders a chance to win.

Three plays later, Helman dropped back to pass then raced up the middle and into the end zone for the win.

Helman completed 13 of 22 pass attempts for 178 yards and a touchdown and rushed for two more scores to set up the program’s first meeting with Triton Central since 2008.

“He is pretty athletic and he can throw the ball,” said Able (photo) of Helman. “We have to try and control that run game and see that pass coming so we can cover it.”

The junior quarterback is the engine of the spread offense but there are many key players the Raiders rely on to score touchdowns.

Helman is his team’s leading rusher at 380 yards and five touchdowns but three more players have at least 200 yards rushing – seniors Carter Armstrong (287 yards), Dylan Parsley (283 yards) and Max Seaburn (201 yards). The trio have a combined six rushing touchdowns.

Helman has completed 103 of 191 passing attempts for 1,267 yards and 18 touchdowns. He has five players with double-digit receptions – senior Hayden Hubbard (25 receptions, 276 yards, 4 TDs), junior Blayne Stevens (18 receptions, 194 yards, 2 TDs), junior Garrett May (17 receptions, 235 yards, 4 TDs), junior Karter Gray (14 receptions, 144 yards, 1 TD) and Seaburn (12 receptions, 151 yards, 4 TDs).

“They do a little bit of everything in that spread offense,” said Able. “Their quarterback is a good athlete that likes to scramble. We have to control that and keep him in the pocket.”

In the final weeks of the regular season Triton Central has found balance with its offensive efficiency.

At Union County, senior quarterback Sam Collier and sophomore quarterback Matthew Wilkins were a combined 9 of 13 passing for 128 yards and four touchdowns. On the ground, Braden Brown, Chris Perkon and Nick Riggins combined for 123 yards rushing and four more scores.

Brown (photo) has become the feature back late in the year working behind Collier, who has completed 63% of his passing attempts for 1,711 yards and 20 touchdowns and just three interceptions.

Triton Central played without running backs Bo West and Kade Stephens at Union County. Both will likely not play Friday but could be available for a sectional championship game if needed.

Brown is averaging 12.8 yards per carry and has eight touchdowns on just 44 carries this season.

While Able does not expect sophomore Kellan Dishman to be available at Shenandoah due to injury, seniors Colton Crawford and Andrew Bailey (photo) are getting healthy and back to work on the offensive line.

And the receiving corps has depth with Zeke Robertson, Chase Chandler, Cael Butler (photo) (2 TDs at Union County) and Brayden Whitlow all becoming strong targets for Collier.

“We are getting to the point where we are getting everybody where we need them to be,” said Able.

Lapel reached the Sectional 38 semifinal round with a 43-36 win at previously-unbeaten Northeastern last Friday. Quarterback Devin Craig completed 30 of 35 pass attempts for 374 yards and four touchdowns while running back Jack Miller racked up 178 yards on the ground and two touchdowns.

Centerville’s only loss this season came at Northeastern, 16-12 on Sept. 27. The Bulldogs defeated Eastern Hancock, 21-14, in their sectional opener.

Freshman quarterback Jace Hollendonner completed 17 of 26 pass attempts for 210 yards and two touchdowns, both to Maddox Pritchett.

Triton Central has not lost to either – 2-0 all-time against Centerville and 8-0 against Lapel. None of those 10 meetings have occurred in the 21^st Century.

Triton Central at Shenandoah

Site: Dale Green Field in Middletown.

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

Broadcast: GIANT fm will air a pregame show at 6 p.m. with Johnny McCrory and Jeff Brown from Dale Green Field on 96.5 fm, 106.3 fm, 1520 am or online at GIANT.fm. Radio coverage of the game will follow at 7 p.m.

Tickets: Purchase tickets in advance at ihsaa.eventlink.com or pay cash at gate.

2024 records: Triton Central 8-2; Shenandoah 6-4.

Coaches: Tim Able, 109-39 in 12th year at TC, 234-137 in 31^st year overall; Jake Stilwell, 17-23 in fourth year at Shenandoah

Series record: Triton Central and Shenandoah have split 12 all-time meetings.

Last meeting: Shenandoah defeated Triton Central, 28-14, in a sectional game on Oct. 24, 2008.

Sagarin rating: Triton Central 55.05 (131st overall, 15^th in Class 2A); Shenandoah 40.6 (192^nd overall, 30^th in Class 2A). Triton Central is a 12-point favorite.

Sectional 38 Semifinal: Centerville (9-1) at Lapel (7-3). If Triton Central defeats Shenandoah, the Tigers will host either Centerville or Lapel in the Sectional 38 championship game.

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