Sophomore Jamarcus Shaw gets yards for Triton on Thursday night.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Triton’s lost its season opener at home to Union Pines, 42-0.

The final score in a defeat Thursday night at South Johnston was 42-0.

The Hawks trailed, 28-0, at halftime of each contest.

The teams that have shut out Triton are each 2-0 and Union Pines is yet to surrender a point after a 35-0 win at home over Northwood on Friday night.

The remarkable similarities in the Triton setbacks mean one thing to Hawks coach Ben Penny. The effect of not having middle school feeder schools in 2020 due to COVID has resulted in a sharp learning curve for a generally youthful and inexperienced group of players in the program.

“Our young guys played with a lot of heart,” Penny said after the trip to South that left Triton with a 26-10 series lead. “We were able to get some things going up the middle on offense, but still have a ways to go.

“We need to learn how to keep our composure and improve in the leadership category.”

Triton travels to Sanderson on Friday for a 7 p.m. kickoff. The Spartans are 0-1 with a 35-3 loss at Corinth Holders going into a postponed game on Monday at 6 p.m. at Riverside of Durham.

“A lot of work to be done in the upcoming weeks before conference play,” Penny said.

The Hawks have an open date before beginning their All American Conference schedule at E.E. Smith on September 20.