Camauri McDougald scores on a reverse for the Hawks.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Triton’s margin of defeat diminished for the third straight game but the Hawks were unable to maintain a fourth-quarter lead and were topped, 20-16, at Bunn on Friday night.

The host Wildcats (2-1) led 12-0 before Triton closed within 12-10 at the half. The Hawks scored on a reverse with Camauri McDougald carrying and got a field goal from Carter Daughtry.

“We didn’t get off the bus and come out the gate like we were capable of and they hit us in the mouth early,” said Triton coach Ben Penny. “We have to put together four solid quarters of football. We know we had to contain 5 (Demarion Watkins) and 3 (Lavadous Bolden) and didn’t do a good job at all on defense tackling, something we must correct heading into conference. They were very good football players and we knew we had to stop them to win the game but we didn’t accomplish the mission.”

Bunn finished with 205 yards rushing.

“Bottom line is if we would have tackled better and maintained our blocks on offense, we would have won the game,”: Penny said.

Triton led 16-12 with 10:56 to go on a scoring run by Brandon Watts.

The hosts got the deciding touchdown with 3:42 remaining.

“,We need to heal up and be able to practice full to correct our mistakes,” Penny said. “Hopefully we get Tanner Campbell (lineman) and Eli Holmes (back) back next week. That is going to be tremendous.

“We play in a tough league and it’s here. Nothing matters the previous three weeks. We have to focus on the All American Conference and getting better as a whole program.”

Triton starts league play at home against E.E. Smith on Friday at 7 p.m.

Nathan McKoy makes a stop in the backfield for Triton.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Triton linebacker Ross Stevens makes a tackle for Triton.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

J.J. Cowan runs for a first down for visiting Triton on Friday night.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Carter Daughtry kicks a field goal to get the Hawks within 12-10.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Jalen Evans completes a pass for Triton late in the first half at Bunn.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Bunn’s Demarion Watkins runs a conversion for the final points.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)