Travion Sanders has a pick for Triton, one of five interceptions for the Hawks on Thursday in seven-on-seven football scrimmages at Cleveland.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
Triton got a better day than anticipated weather-wise in seven-on-seven passing scrimmages at Cleveland on Tuesday as the Hawks went against North Johnston, West Johnston, the host Rams and Corinth Holders.
“A lot of energy,” said Triton coach Ben Penny. “Our main goal was to go out and compete and I thought we did that. I was very pleased with our effort. I thought on about 95 percent of the plays we were giving maximum effort.
“We can be a pretty good football team as long as we are giving maximum effort. I was pleased with that. We looked a lot better throwing the football than we have in the past. Justin (Leggett, returning starter at quarterback) has gotten stronger and gotten better.
“Some guys stepped up and caught some passes for us. We’re young so we’re looking for guys to run the right routes, the timing to be there and I thought we did a great job with it today.”
The Hawks have a new offensive coordinator, David Weathersby.
“So far I think it’s tremendous,” Penny said of Weathersby’s impact. “The kids are really responding to him. We’re a little more traditional with our Wing-T than we’ve been in the past. So far they have adapted well to his coaching style. I couldn’t be happier with the way things are going offensively right now.”
Triton outscored three teams and was even with Cleveland. West Johnston, which visits the Hawks on Sept. 14, has gone to a Wing-T.
Triton is going to a seven-on-seven at Midway on Thursday at 8 a.m. that also will include Lakewood and North Lenoir.
“We’re going to be short a few guys,” Penny said. “There’s an FBLA field trip. A few of our guys are going to be leaving Thursday. We’re going to be short a few guys, but we’re going to embrace the opportunity to go get better.”
The Hawks will be taking part in a team camp July 12-14 at Mount Olive.
“We’re going to have close to 100 percent there,” Penny said. “Our numbers are down this year, but I really enjoy this group. They’re showing up every day. They’re working out hard, conditioning hard. They’re giving a lot of effort in seven-on-seven and other drills.
“We’ve got a long ways to go. We’ve got a lot of maturing to do. We’ve got to find the right fits, especially on defense — find the right guys for the right positions, but so far it’s been a pleasure to coach. These guys want to be good. They want to get better and they’re putting in that effort.”
Triton had three backs from a 6-6 team sign to play on the next level.
“We know what we lost and we know what we have to put together in a short amount of time, but with this group right here we’re up for the challenge,” Penny said.
Travion Sanders had three touchdown receptions for the Hawks on Tuesday. Myjalik Giles and his brother, Malik Giles, each had two scoring catches. Austin Riewestahl had one TD grab. Leggett caught a pass for a score from Sanders.
“We were pleased to see Justin playing multiple positions today,” Penny said. “He played some corner, receiver and wingback. We feel like we’ve got a little bit of depth at the quarterback position because Travion had some good throws today. He was actually the quarterback the whole time against Corinth Holders.”
Sanders and Malik Giles had two interceptions apiece for Triton. Levi Bennett also had a pick for the Hawks.
Triton quarterback Justin Leggett takes a snap from Wyatt Turner.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
Austin Riewestahl had a touchdown reception.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
Myjalik Giles is headed to the end zone for the Hawks.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
Levi Bennett breaks up a Cleveland pass.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
