Triton seniors are pictured above. Kneeling from left are Jacob Hamilton, Briston Fann, Isaiah Hendry, Mesiah Peterkin, Jeremiah McDowell and Jayce Kimble. On the back row are Damion Barfield, Michael McNeill, Chris Hicks, Michael Cole, John Williford, Linkin McKoy and Jordan Thompson.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)
Triton visits Harnett Central on Friday night for a 7 p.m. kickoff in the fourth annual Heister Bowl.
Central is 7-2 overall, 5-1 in the All American Conference and will be going into the playoffs.
The Hawks (2-7, 2-4 AAC) likely will be sitting out of the postseason for the first time since 2021.
Still, Triton coach Ben Penny wants his team to close its season strong and has formulated a game plan with regard to the circumstances.
“We need to get back to having fun playing football,” Penny said. “Our 13 seniors are playing their last game. I think there’s some extra motivation to have with that. It’s a rivalry game, Heister Bowl, Triton vs Harnett Central.
“We have one more chance to go out and have some fun playing football. We have to be physical. Harnett Central doesn’t do a lot, but they are good at what they do. That’s how good football teams operate. We have to take away their big plays, move the football, and control the clock.”
The Hawks are generating 87.5 percent of their offense on the ground.
“We have to stop the run on defense and execute and be efficient offensively,” said Cory Barnes, coach of the Trojans. “Special teams has to be sound in what we ask them to do. We look forward to Friday night.”
Central is averaging 214.6 yards passing and 138.0 yards rushing.
Sophomore Koby Howard completed 19 of 29 for 293 yards with six touchdowns in a 55-41 Central win at 4-A Pine Forest last week. Junior D.J. Brown had seven catches for 149 yards and four scores.
Central leads the series, 13-12. Triton has a 2-1 edge in the Heister Bowl, but Central took possession of the belt that goes to the winning team with a 10-3 victory at the Hawks’ stadium in 2023.
Barnes is a former Triton player and assistant who has coached successfully at North Johnston and Midway before taking on the task of rebuilding the Trojans.
He knows the magnitude of the pending matchup.
“It’s the Heister Bowl,” Barnes said. “Big rivalry game. Excited to be at home this year and defend the belt. Coach Penny does a great job. I expect it to be a good game and l look forward to seeing our guys compete.”
AAC title on line in junior varsity contest
Triton hosts the Trojans for junior varsity football on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Both teams are 4-1 in the AAC.
The winner will be assured of at least a share of the league championship.
