Titans find victory against Tri-Central as football season closes
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To say it was a rough season for the Taylor High School football team would be a bit of an understatement. The Titans served as unwilling punching bags for teams across the region, with eight of its nine losses being decided by margins of no fewer than 36 points.
But on one night at home against its closest geographic rival, Taylor tasted sweet victory. The Titans welcomed the Trojans of Tri-Central to their home field on Oct. 8. The result was a 46-19 victory that gave the players and fans a rare reason to celebrate and a small measure of bragging rights between two schools that literally are within eyesight of each other.
The Taylor attack was led by freshman quarterback Treyvant Powe, who has been given an opportunity rarely seen in football: a chance to lead from the lowest ranks of underclassmen.
The speedy field general managed to complete four of six passes attempted for 74 yards and a touchdown toss to senior Owen Collins. He also ran for a pair of short touchdowns, amassing just 13 yards on eight carries. Sophomore Braxton Roberts also made an impact with an impressive 53-yard scamper on his only reception.
As is to be expected from such a young team, Taylor found victory on the ground. Senior Slater Farmer made the most of his time with the ball, rushing for 82 yards and scoring once. Freshman Leland Acuna also was effective, rushing eight times for 63 yards and a touchdown.
But it was the Titans’ defense that ensured Tri-Central would not challenge the lead. Taylor registered six tackles for a loss during the contest, including a pair of sacks from seniors Dylan Underwood and Royce Martin. Underwood also managed to force a fumble to provide his team with another opportunity to score.
While Taylor went on to lose its regular season finale to Delphi and was unceremoniously bumped from the postseason by Pioneer, there is reason to believe the 2027 campaign will be more successful.
Powe benefited from being mentored under center by Underwood, and Acuna had Farmer to guide him on the ground. And Roberts emerged as the team’s best option downfield. Should that trio build on the lessons learned this year, Taylor should expect an improvement in the win column next year.
As for Tri-Central, the loss to Taylor only ensured that the Trojans would not tally a win all year. The Tipton County squad was shut out in seven of its ten contests this season, and the 19 points it generated against Taylor was a season high. Their season ended with back-to-back drubbings by Clinton Central in a forgettable year.
The Trojans can only hope that sophomore Braydn Calderon continues to improve at quarterback next season, leading a very young core which includes rushers Logan English, Waylon Jarrell, and Kainen Hollingsworth.
See additional photos from this game, courtesy of Adam Hartsough, on the Lantern’s Facebook page.