Triton’s Austin Riewestahl follows blocker T.J. Wilkins.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Maggie Hobson)
Coaches from host Triton and West Johnston agreed to end a nonconference varsity football game Friday night after a fight between players with about five minutes left.
The Hawks won, 27-0, on their Senior Night to finish 3-6. The Wildcats went 1-10 after a 31-22 season opening win over Harnett Central.
“Colton (Neighbors) came in with a hard tackle and there was some pushing and shoving,” said Triton coach Ben Penny of the altercation. “A few West Johnston players were ejected.”
Penny said none of his players were tossed.
“We have a procedure in case something like that happens,” said the Hawks coach. “The assistant coaches did a great job of controlling our players.”
Neighbors got Triton’s scoring started with a 5-yard run early in the second quarter. Travion Sanders had a 20-yard touchdown run before halftime. The lead was 13-0 at the break.
Paul Wells kicked three of four extra points, but slipped and missed after the second score.
“The field was very sloppy,” Penny said.
Austin Riewestahl had a 12-yard carry for a TD on the Hawks’ first possession of the second half.
Malihk Giles had a 95-yard punt return for a touchdown for the Hawks in the third quarter. Giles got an opportunity after the Hawks had three muffs and lost all three. The defense was able to make stops to minimize the miscues.
“I’m proud of our seniors,” Penny said. “They fought hard all season considering all the distractions and having to miss two games. Our defense played well. They only really moved the ball on two long passes. Austin had another great game running the football. He sparked us at the start of the second quarter with a 42-yard run and got the momentum going.”
Triton went from Sept. 7 to Oct. 5 without playing due to circumstances relating to Hurricane Florence.
Neighbors has played well in the secondary and got into the end zone on a jet sweep when given an opportunity at wingback.
“I’m happy that Colton was able to score his first touchdown on Senior Night,” Penny said. “That was a special moment. I’m happy for them. I hope the underclassmen can use this momentum going into the offseason and winter conditioning. We are looking forward to getting back to work in the weight room.”
Coaches and officials intervene during the game-ending fight.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Maggie Hobson)
Colton Neighbors scored on a 5-yard run for Triton.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Maggie Hobson)
Austin Riewestahl had a touchdown run and set up another score.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Maggie Hobson)
Triton coach Ben Penny gets an explanation on a first-half call.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Maggie Hobson)
Justin Leggett goes to the air for the Hawks on Friday night.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Maggie Hobson)
Malihk Giles had a 95-yard punt return for a TD.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Maggie Hobson)
Linebacker Tyler House makes a stop for Triton.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Maggie Hobson)
Colton Neighbors upends a Wildcat before the hostilities began.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Maggie Hobson)
Officials try to keep the situation from escalating.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Maggie Hobson)
