The Tigers (6-1, 4-1 ICC) travel to Beech Grove (3-4, 2-4 ICC) Friday and to Speedway (2-5, 0-4 ICC) on Oct. 13 for their regular-season finale. Following an impressive 38-14 win over Indianapolis Scecina last week, Triton Central head coach Tim Able is still prepping his team for a postseason run.
“We’re not worried about wins. We are worried about getting better,” said Able. “We’re still adding schemes that will help us down the road. We need to see the big picture - stay on fundamentals and execution.”
Triton Central’s lofty status in the state rankings polls — No. 2 in the Class 2A state coaches poll and newly-anointed No. 1 in the Associated Press poll — is keeping the program focused on improving week to week.
The Tigers will learn their postseason draw Sunday when the IHSAA announces the sectional pairings at 6 p.m. on GIANT fm Sports on WSVX.
While Able has had success against Beech Grove over the last decade — 8 of 11 wins and five straight in the series — the Hornets typically prove to be competitive against Triton Central.
“They always have talent, speed and athleticism, said Able (photo) who is four wins short of 100 wins as the Tigers coach. “They are close by. They have surely circled this game (on their schedule). They’ve got their mojo back after a big win. It’s important we get off to a good start to keep them from believing they can win.”
The Hornets collected their third win of the season at Ritter last week, 62-20. After starting 0-2, they have won three of their last five.
To have success against the Tigers, Beech Grove needs to control the line of scrimmage and get a strong performance from junior running back Jeremiah Lee (143 carries, 1,038 yards, 15 touchdowns).
“He’s very good,” said Able. “He’s elusive and quick. They have a good-sized line of scrimmage and they play with a tight end. We will have our hands full stopping the running game.”
Senior quarterback Jay’mar Davis has completed 55% of his pass attempts for 793 yards but his touchdowns (9) match his interceptions (9).
Beech Grove’s leading receivers are senior Jarron Murry (33 receptions, 316 yards, 2 TDs) and junior Lacy Stephens (10 receptions, 110 yards).
“They love the screen play,” said Able. “We need to get to them before they take off. They’ve got good speed. They don’t throw the deep ball well, though.”
Triton Central senior quarterback Jace Stuckey suffered a leg injury just before halftime last week against Scecina. The Eastern Michigan commit already helped the Tigers build a 35-0 lead and did not play the second half while noticeably limping around on the sideline
Stuckey is in uniform practicing this week and will be available Friday in Beech Grove.
As to the status of senior running back Ray Crawford and senior linebacker Sam Kemper (photo), they may be in uniform Friday, according to Able, but will not be fully available.
With Crawford out, Able turned to Henry Kemper (photo) against Scecina and the freshman proved productive. He had 43 yards rushing on seven carries and had a 22-yard touchdown reception.
“They’ve played a 4-front most of the time and shown different coverages, said Able of the Beech Grove defense. “They have some size. They are very strong. Their blitzing linebackers have to be picked up. We have got to be able to run inside and outside.”
Triton Central is dealing with key injuries and battling sickness within the program, according to Able. The illness is a product of a close-knit team that is always together — even at other TC sporting events.
QUICK FACTS:
Class 2A, No. 2 Triton Central at Beech Grove
Game time: 7 p.m. at Beech Grove High School.
TC student theme: Pink Out in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
2023 record: Triton Central 6-1, 4-1 ICC; Beech Grove 3-4, 2-4 ICC.
Head coaches: Tim Able, 96-36 in 11th year at Triton Central, 221-134 in 30th year overall; Brandon Winters, 10-17 in third year at Beech Grove, 37-39 in eighth year overall.
Sagarin ratings: Triton Central 73.81, No. 1 in Class 2A; Beech Grove 53.00, No. 33 in Class 4A. Triton Central is an 18-point favorite
Last year: Triton Central defeated Beech Grove, 27-7, at Mendenhall Field. Link to the Shelby County Post game story can be found here: https://shelbycountypost.com/sports/656470
Series: Triton Central has won eight of 11 meetings with the Hornets and five straight since Beech Grove’s 22-15 win in 2017.
Around the ICC Friday: Indianapolis Ritter (3-4, 1-4 ICC) at Class 2A, No. 10 Indianapolis Scecina (4-3, 2-2); Monrovia (5-2, 3-2) at Cascade (5-2, 1-2 ICC); Speedway (2-5, 0-4) at Class A, No. 1 Indianapolis Lutheran (7-0, 6-0).
Class 2A, Sectional 39 records: Class 2A, No. 2 Triton Central 6-1; 2A No. 3 Brownstown Central 6-1; Switzerland County 4-3; Christel House Manual 2-4; Brown County 1-6; Clarksville 0-7; Eastern (Pekin) 3-4; Class 2A, No. 10 Indianapolis Scecina 4-3.
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