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Triton returns quarterback, adds track star at running back

Wednesday, September, 05 By Dan Guttenplan
Staff writer

In a brand-new experience for the Triton football team, the coaches and players spent the last nine months reflecting on a season-ending victory.

It sounds simple enough, but it had been seven years since Triton's last ended a season with a Thanksgiving Day victory over Pentucket.

So score one in the momentum column for third-year Triton coach Shawn McElligott and his players.

"It helped to have an upbeat offseason for the first time in seven years," McElligott said "But it's a different group of players. Not to downplay the win because it was huge, but at this point, it's nice to talk about but it's not going to help us win any games."

One player who may help the Vikings improve on last season's 4-7 record is returning quarterback Matt Emergin. The then-junior threw for 58 yards and a touchdown in the 26-20 victory over Pentucket last Thanksgiving.

Triton also figures to receive a boost from first-year junior tailback Billy Tindle, who is the reigning Cape Ann League champion in the 110-meter hurdles.

"We have a lot of potential," McElligott said. "We have a lot of new people in new areas. The quicker we are able to pick up our individual assignments, the better we'll be. We not quite there yet."

Triton will host Greater Lawrence tomorrow night (7 p.m.). The Commonwealth Conference Large foe was 5-6 last year and did not face Triton. The Reggies return 18 starters | 15 of whom are seniors.

Under quarterback Jonathan DelaSantos, Greater Lawrence is expected to run a spread offense this season. "It all depends on how quickly we gel," McElligott said. "We need better execution to have a chance. That comes with gelling."