Javon ‘J.J.’ Cowan runs for the first of four touchdowns.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)
Freshman Javon Cowan ran for 223 yards and four touchdowns as Triton took a 60-27 Tri-County Six 3-A Conference varsity football win at Union Pines on Thursday night.
The Hawks improved to 3-2 overall and 3-0 in the league going into a Monday night game at Lee County.
“Again, very proud of this group for continuing to get better,” said Triton coach Ben Penny after his team’s third straight win. “Union Pines is very well coached and did some things we didn’t see on film. They came out strong but our guys kept battling and eventually got the mojo we needed.
“It was another great outing for our backs and offensive line. Anytime you have over 500 yards rushing and three backs over 100 yards, it’s a good night.
“We have a big week next week, Lee County on Monday for the conference championship, then Harnett Central on Friday. A lot is riding on these two games. We are happy to be in this situation. I can’t say enough about our seniors and our coaching staff.”
The Hawks were behind early. An 8-yard run by Kyle Dunkins accounted for the Hawks’ first quarter touchdown but the hosts led 13-6 after 12 minutes.
Cowan had scoring runs of 49 and 30 yards with a 2-point conversion after a 40-yard touchdown run by Malachi Batts as Triton surged to a 26-13 lead at the half.
Hawks quarterback J.P. Petoletti got into the end zone from four yards out in the third quarter.
Cowan scored on runs of 15 and five yards in the fourth quarter. Batts had a 15 yard run for a TD and Noah Jackson had a pick six that covered 25 yards.
Dunkins had 143 yards rushing and Batts had 134.
Ramsey Jones and Cowan also had interceptions for Triton.
“J.J. (Cowan) is a very humble young man and gets better each week,” Penny said. “You don’t see freshmen putting up the numbers he is. He has become a leader and strives to get better and make those around him better each day.”
Xavion Richardson applies pressure on defense for the Hawks.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)
Kyle Dunkins breaks free at the line on an 8-yard touchdown run.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)
Ramsey Jones (3) has an interception for the Hawks.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)
Javon Cowan changes direction on a TD run to give Triton the lead.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)
Nathan McKoy makes a fumble recovery for Triton.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)
Joseph Warren sacks the Union Pines quarterback.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)
Malachi Batts escapes a tackle attempt on a scoring run.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)
Javon Cowan intercepts for the Hawks late in the first half.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)
Hawks quarterback J.P. Petoletti has time to throw on Thursday night.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)
Fullback Kyle Dunkins picks up a first down for the Hawks.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)
Nathan McKoy blocks a pass attempt by the Vikings.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)
Malachi Batts scores for a 53-27 Triton lead at Union Pines.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)
Noah Jackson has a pick six for Triton’s final touchdown.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)
