Triton Central

TC FOOTBALL SUFFERS FIRST LOSS IN BATLLE WITH LEBANON. Class 2A No. 9 Triton Central’s unbeaten run came to an end Friday night as visiting Lebanon used a big third quarter and a timely special teams play to secure a 21-14 victory in the first-ever meeting between the two programs. After a scoreless first half dominated by defense, Lebanon (5-1) broke through in the third quarter with back-to-back touchdowns to seize control. Lebanon marched 76 yards on their opening possession of the half, capped by a 9-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Chris Hill to Tannon Monden. Hill later added a 5-yard scoring run to push the lead to 14-0. Triton Central (5-1, 3-0 Hoosier Legends Conference) refused to go quietly. Senior running back Braden Brown broke loose for a 64-yard touchdown run to put the Tigers on the board, and after a defensive stand, special teams delivered a spark. Brayden Whitlow fielded a punt and raced 63 yards to the end zone, tying the game at 14 midway through the fourth quarter. But Lebanon answered immediately. On the ensuing kickoff, Monden returned the ball 95 yards for what proved to be the game-winning score. Triton Central had one final opportunity in the closing minute, driving deep into Lebanon territory. Facing fourth-and-goal from the 2-yard line, a mishandled snap ended the comeback bid and sealed the Tigers’ first loss of the season. The Tigers will look to bounce back Friday when they return to Hoosier Legends Conference play, hosting Indian Creek (4-2, 1-1 HLC). In junior varsity action Saturday, Lebanon defeated Triton Central 28-14, dropping the JV Tigers to 1-5 on the season.