Ro’mello Cowan had a 20-yard TD run for the Hawks.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Maggie Hobson)

Triton football coach Ben Penny said too many mistakes dictated the outcome in a 22-14 home loss to South Johnston on Thursday night.

The Hawks (0-2) had an interception by Tyler House nullified by a roughing-the-passer penalty on South’s first scoring drive.

After the Trojans had taken a 7-0 lead, Triton lost a fumble at the Trojans’ 23-yard line. Travion Sanders had a 29-yard run before his bobble.

After the Hawks’ 2010 conference champion team was recognized with Coach Joe McCullen at halftime, Triton quickly pulled within 10-7 on a 20-yard run by Ro’mello Cowan.

“It was great to have Coach McCullen back,” said Penny, an assistant on the 2010 staff.

South answered with scores on its next two possessions to lead 22-7.

Pass interference wiped off a third quarter pick by Scottavion McNeill of the Hawks.

The Hawks used a 7-yard scoring run by Sanders with 8:19 to go to close within 22-14 on Paul Wells’ second conversion kick. South ran 15 plays before an unsuccessful fourth down attempt at the Triton 25 with 1:01 left.

The Hawks lost 17 yards before time expired.

“Turnovers and penalties,” Penny said. “We made mistakes, but it’s things we can fix.”

Austin Riewestahl led Triton offensively with 12 carries for 78 yards. Sanders ran seven times for 64 yards. Cowan totaled 55 yards on 12 rushes.

Triton hosts Laney next Friday night.

Triton’s 2010 team topped South, 40-34, for the school’s first conference championship in football. Coach Joe McCullen is kneeling.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Maggie Hobson)