Triton Drops Another Tough Loss Against Lenape

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High School Football:
Triton Drops Another Tough Loss Against Lenape
Friday, September 29, 2000

By Bob Wankel
SJSports Special Correspondent

On a cool, crisp September afternoon, the winless Triton Mustangs (freshman football) were in search of their first victory of the season facing a strong Lenape team. Lenape entered the game playing solid football in their first two games and looked to steal one on the road against Triton. The Mustangs entered their third game still searching for an offensive spark and for someone to step up on defense.

Lenape won the toss and elected to receive the kick. On their opening drive Lenape had no problem marching down the field for the game's first score and took a quick 7-0 lead. Already down, the Mustangs were forced to punt on their opening possession.

In the second quarter, the flood gates were slowly beginning to open as Lenape once again took it to the house for another easy score. Triton coaches knew this one was headed to blow out city for the second time in three weeks unless they could come up with something to stop the onslaught. However, things only got worse for the Mustangs as #21 of Lenape took a 65 yard punt return to the house as time expired in the half to make it 19-0.

The third quarter was the same old story for the Stangs as they were forced punt for the fourth time in as many possessions. Lenape followed the punt with yet another touchdown to put this one seemingly out of reach. Triton now trailed by the score of 25-0 through three quarters.

Triton was being simply embarrassed at home again as they were being dominated in practically every aspect of the game. The team went through a week of relentless practice, running, and hitting in order to prepare for the game, but yet there were no results. The look of frustration and disappointment came over the faces of the players. This team was desperate and they had to find a way to turn it around, enough was enough and the team began to play with a sense of urgency.

In the fourth, after the teams traded possessions without scoring Triton finally put some points on the board making it 25-8. Following the TD the defense came up with a huge play forcing a Lenape fumble. The Mustangs jumped on the loose ball forcing the late game turnover. Taking advantage of turnovers is something the Mustangs have done well all year and they continued that on this drive. Zac Finley raced for a 28 yard touchdown run to make the 25-14. Jared Curry then added the extra point to cut the deficit to ten.

The Mustangs put together fifteen unanswered points in the fourth quarter. Fourth quarters like that win ball games. However, fourth quarters like that only win ball games if you can keep it close in the first half. Triton failed to do that on this day. Despite the effort, the charge of the Mustangs proved to be too little too late and once again this team drops another tough one. Triton is back at it next week against Bishop Eustace at home. Take my word for it, this is a game that they don't plan on losing.