Triton rolls past Dover-Eyota

Having won only two games last season, the 2019 Triton football team has eclipsed that mark in just four games by beating Dover-Eyota 34-20 on Friday, Sept. 20.
            The Cobras scored the first touchdown of the game on a 27-yard touchdown pass from Austin Melder to Jaxon Sackett.
            Triton then increased its lead to 13-0 when Melder once again hit Sackett, this time a 40-yard touchdown pass.
Head Coach Mike Ellignson said he was impressed with the way the Cobras came out in the first quarter.
“It was nice to get out to a lead. This team is learning and growing and we were happy the boys were ready at the opening kickoff,” he said.
After each team scored a touchdown in the second quarter, the Cobras held a 20-6 lead at halftime.
Ellingson said he was pleased with how the defense played in the first half.
“Our defense bent but did not break. I was happy that we were opportunistic at times forcing five turnovers in the game,” he said.
He told his team at halftime that they have to be ready for whatever happens in the second half.
 “Winners find ways to win any game,” he said.
In the second half, Ellingson mentioned that his defense slowed down Dover-Eyota’s offense by consistently pressuring the quarterback.
            Triton’s offense, especially Sackett and Parker Boe, kept rolling in the second half.
“Jaxon is an elusive runner and we were able to get him the ball in space,” he said. “Parker ripped off some nice trap runs, two of which went over 30 yards.”
Ellingson said those two helped Triton’s offense put up some impressive numbers.
            “Offense played well, over 450 yards of offense,” he said. “Defense got the job done. It wasn't pretty, but they made plays at the end to seal the game.”
Ellingson said Jaxon Sackett had a standout performance with eight receptions for 219 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.
However, there’s always room for improvement. He said his team will work on aimed point on tackling, block shedding, and angle blocking in practice this week.
The Cobras (3-1) will host the St. Charles Saints at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27.
            Triton stats: Passing – Austin Melder was 8 of 11 for 178 yards and 2 TDs and Mason Barker was 2 of 5 for 81 yards and 1 TD. Rushing – Parker Boe had 10 carries for 113 yards, Austin Melder had 13 carries for 68 yards, Braxton Munnikhuysen had 7 carries for 23 yards and 1 TD, and Mason Barker had 2 carries for -9 yards. Receiving – Jaxon Sackett had 8 receptions for 219 yards and 3 TDs and Jay Yankowiak had 2 receptions for 40 yards.