Tyrese Jones makes a catch for Western Harnett.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Maggie Hobson)

Triton’s varsity football team returned from a layoff since Sept. 7 on Friday night and perhaps rustiness was a factor in a 22-14 Homecoming loss to Western Harnett.

The Eagles got their first win under second-year coach Blake Culbertson, taking a 7-0 lead on a 16-yard pass to Kentarius Thompson from Tristin Ung after a scoreless first quarter.

The Hawks (0-4) answered with a drive covering 76 yards that was capped by an 11-yard run from Austin Riewestahl. The conversion kick by Paul Wells tied the score at 7.

Triton led 14-7 on a 62-yard touchdown run by Malihk Giles, but Tamarius Davis brought the Eagles (1-5) within 14-13 on an 8-yard scoring reception.

Western went ahead to stay at 19-14 on a defensive return for a touchdown by Chris Smith with 11:10 remaining in the third quarter.

Dillon Smith’s 43-yard field goal for the Eagles completed the scoring.

The matchup marked the Tri-County Six 3-A Conference opener for both programs. In league contests Friday night, the Hawks travel to Union Pines and Western visits Lee County.

Triton’s Travion Sanders (6) seeks to elude Eagle defenders.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Maggie Hobson)

Hawks pursue Western’s Tyrese Jones (5).
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Maggie Hobson)

Kentarius Thompson makes a scoring reception for WH.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Maggie Hobson)

Tristin Ung looks to throw on the run for Western.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Maggie Hobson)

Triton’s Austin Riewestahl goes into the end zone.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Maggie Hobson)

Tyrese Jones of Western is brought down by Colton Neighbors.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Maggie Hobson)

Malihk Giles finishes a touchdown run for the Hawks.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Maggie Hobson)