Ramsey Jones (3) makes a scoring reception for the Hawks.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Grayson Bradham blocks a Lee County punt.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Lee County’s varsity football team improved to 7-0 with a 41-7 win at Triton on Friday night in the Tri-County Six 3-A Conference opener for both teams.

Colin Johnson completed 17 of 33 passes for 268 yards with two touchdowns and one interception for the visitors.

A.J. Boulware had 21 carries for 132 yards and two scores.

The Hawks (2-5) avoided a shutout on a 30-yard touchdown pass play from J.P. Petoletti to Ramsey Jones with 23 seconds left in the half. Cristian Delcid kicked the extra point to cut Lee’s lead to 29-7 at the break.

“I think we came out ready for the challenge,” said Triton coach Ben Penny. “We made some mistakes early that you can’t make against a team as good as Lee if you want to stay in the game.

“We had some positives. We had two goal-line stands that forced them to kick a field goal each time. Our secondary play improved. We tried to see if (running back) Travion (Sanders) could play but he was limited and we sidelined him early. I’m proud of our guys for fighting and playing hard.

“You won’t see many high school football teams as good as and with as many college level recruits as Lee County.”

Defensive end Desmond Evans of the Yellow Jackets is rated a 5-star prospect. Boulware has received offers from Georgia State, Coastal Carolina, Eastern Kentucky and North Carolina A&T.

The Hawks travel to Southern Lee on Friday night. The Cavaliers are 4-2 after winning their league opener, 42-6, at home against Western Harnett.

“Moving forward we are focused on winning out,” Penny said. “We are more battle-tested than any of the remaining teams we play. Our schedule has made us a better and closer football team. We have to heal up fast. Southern Lee is a good football team and this will be a huge game for both of us.”

Justin Miller’s No. 7 retired

Penny was a teammate of former quarterback Justin Miller at Triton. Miller subsequently lost a battle with cancer. The Hawks retired Miller’s No. 7 jersey after the first quarter on Friday night.

“I’m thrilled that we were able to finally make it official to retire Justin’s jersey,” Penny said. “I haven’t put it on the field since I have been the head coach, but now it’s “official” and will hang in the media center next to Clayton’s (White). Coach (Wendy) Simmons (Triton athletic director) came to me this summer and said, ‘let’s retire Justin’s jersey during the pink-out game’ and I was fired up.

“We did this not just because of the athlete he was, or just because he passed away. We did this because of the person he was and everything his life represented. The world needs more young men of high character, more young men like Justin.

“I’m very happy that Delain, Ann, Hannah, Chad and the boys were able to come. That is a very special family.

“They give a scholarship each year in Justin’s memory to a student that shows similar characteristics as Justin and plays either football, baseball, or both.”

Justin Miller’s family was on hand as his No. 7 jersey was retired.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)