Wyatt Turner has an interception for the Hawks in seven-on-seven competition at Midway on Thursday morning.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)

After successful seven-on-sevens on Tuesday at Cleveland, Triton traveled to Midway on Thursday morning with the aim of avoiding a letdown.

Lakewood and North Lenoir competed as well.

“It was a pretty good day for us,” said Hawks coach Ben Penny. “We challenged the guys to put back-to-back good efforts out. Something we haven’t done in the past is coming back with a good effort after having a good showing, whether it be in seven-on-sevens or scrimmages or whatnot.

“I thought we did that (Thursday). We showed up ready to play, had great effort and kind of built off of what we did on Tuesday. So far, this group has been great to coach. They have a lot of heart and a strong work ethic. We’re happy about that as coaches.”

Triton was missing some players who were attending an FBLA conference, but those on hand were active. Kyle Dunkins, Austin Riewestahl, Tyler House and Seth Vanderhoof were among those who didn’t go to Midway.

“We got a lot of guys involved today,” Penny said. “Just about every skill guy we had ended up scoring. Justin (Leggett, quarterback) improved off his performance on Tuesday. We had a lot of success going down the field, throwing the deep ball. The wheel routes were open. He’s seeing things better. He’s starting to read safeties, making good decisions when nobody is open, just doing some things we haven’t done in the past.”

Penny saw strides on the other side of the ball, too.

“Our defense got a lot better,” said the Triton coach. “We don’t have any starters coming back in the secondary. Travion (Sanders) started the last two games last year. … Malik Giles stepped up. Travion and Malik are our corners right now. They had a lockdown day.”

Sanders had three interceptions Thursday and Giles had two. Levi Bennett, T.J. Wilkins and Wyatt Turner also had picks.

Triton is going to camp at Mount Olive, July 12-14. Broughton and Green Hope will be on hand.

“We’re excited about the camp,” Penny said. “That’s something that we haven’t done in the past. We’re going to have about 32. That’s the majority of our varsity right now.”

Levi Bennett (left) and Colton Neighbors break up a pass against Lakewood.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)

Triton’s Scott McNeill goes up to deflect a pass.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)

Malihk Giles awaits a touchdown reception against North Lenoir.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)

T.J. Wilkins of Triton intercepts a North Lenoir pass.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)