Triton Athletics

UNION MILLS — Triton used a balanced offensive attack and a strong defensive performance to defeat South Central 37-6 Friday night. The victory improved the Trojans to 1-3 on the season. Triton struck first when Ryder Gayheart broke free for a 22-yard touchdown run with 9:57 remaining in the opening quarter. The Trojans carried the 6-0 advantage into the second quarter. Gayheart extended the lead just before halftime, connecting with Noah Mondy for a 21-yard touchdown with 37 seconds remaining. Triton entered the locker room with a 12-0 lead. The Trojans quickly added to their advantage when Cayden Bradley returned the opening kickoff of the second half 67 yards for a touchdown. Gayheart scored again on Triton’s next possession, racing 43 yards for his second rushing touchdown of the night. Chris Fenton followed with a three-yard touchdown run to increase the lead to 30-0. South Central scored its only touchdown on a 47-yard pass from Isaiah Forker to Raymond Rinker late in the third quarter. Triton completed the scoring in the fourth when Gayheart connected with Jaidyn Arnett for a 14-yard touchdown. Blake Ousley added the extra point to produce the 37-6 final. Gayheart accounted for 249 yards of total offense and four touchdowns. He completed 12 of 18 passes for 114 yards and two touchdowns while rushing 19 times for 135 yards and two more scores. His longest run covered 43 yards. Fenton contributed 35 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries as Triton finished with 170 rushing yards and 284 yards of total offense. Lukas Nicely led the receiving corps with four catches for 37 yards. Bradley caught four passes for 32 yards, Mondy recorded a 21-yard touchdown reception and Arnett added a 14-yard scoring catch. The Triton defense held South Central to 178 yards of offense and forced two turnovers. The Satellites converted only three of 11 third-down attempts and one of six fourth-down opportunities. Nicely led the defense with 11 total tackles. Christian McIntire finished with eight tackles, Brayden Gunnels recorded seven and Channing Heckaman added six. Charlie Worsham, Ashton Jacobs and Dominique Bradley each recorded a tackle for loss. Jacobs and Bradley recovered South Central fumbles. Box Score Triton: 6 | 6 | 18 | 7 — 37 South Central: 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 — 6 Triton Statistical Leaders Rushing: Ryder Gayheart 19-135, 2 TD; Chris Fenton 11-35, TD Passing: Ryder Gayheart 12-18, 114 yards, 2 TD Receiving: Lukas Nicely 4-37; Cayden Bradley 4-32; Noah Mondy 1-21, TD; Jaidyn Arnett 1-14, TD; Blake Ousley 1-9; Chris Fenton 1-1 Kick Returns: Cayden Bradley 1-67, TD; Ashton Jacobs 1-3 Punting: Lukas Nicely 2-54, 27.0 average, long of 38 Tackles: Lukas Nicely 11; Christian McIntire 8; Brayden Gunnels 7; Channing Heckaman 6; Blake Ousley 5 Next: Triton travels to Winamac Community High School on Friday, Sept. 18. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 pm.