BOURBON - Turnovers and big plays. Both played a crucial role as LaVille opened the 2024 high school football regular season at the Trojan Trench on the campus of Triton High School. As the 57th meeting commenced between the former Hoosier North and Northern State Conference rivals, both teams had plenty of shoes to fill on both sides of the ball, including at quarterback. At the start of a new season, it is not uncommon to have timing issues, missed blocking assignments, and yes, turnovers. Each team was on the end of the misfortunes of first-game woes, but it was Triton that made the most of a couple big plays to pick up the 27-6 triumph over IFCA 1A #7 LaVille. Early on, with the teams making adjustments to the other, defenses were working hard to maintain the other's offense. "I felt our guys were ready mentally and physically to play a very good Triton team," said LaVille coach Jeff Kaiser. "They were able to mix their blitzes up, which kept our line from settling in and finding the blitzes. Aggression and speed helped them be successful." Just when it looked like LaVille might score the first points of the game, the Trojan defense forced a fumble. On its next drive, Triton worked the rushing attack of Jayden Overmyer and Vinny Prater for 80+ of the 90-yard drive.  The crucial play of the drive came on a 4th-and-5 from The LaVille 11. At first glance, it looked like THS coach  Zach Whittaker's unit would attempt a field goal.  After a timeout, Whittaker changed his mind and decided to go for it. Overmyer ended up scoring from 11 yards out and the point-after was true to put the hosts up, 7-0. The Lancers did respond on the next series before missing a 39-yard field goal attempt wide right.  Triton fumbled on its first play, and Lancer quarterback Collin Czarnecki went right to work. Czarnecki found Xzavian LaFave at the goal line. A Trojan defender made contact with LaFave as he was trying to catch the ball.  Although a flag was thrown, LaFave kept great concentration, bobbled the ball in mid-air and came down with it for the touchdown.  The penalty flag for defensive pass interference was waved off.  LHS had narrowed the lead to 7-6. "Xzavians TD reception came at a crucial time and he made an amazing play on the ball," said LaVille coach Jeff Kaiser.  "Xzavian is a playmaker and you will see more Czarnecki to LaFave connections this season." That catch is one play sure to be remembered by LaFave and his teammates this season.  It was the 6-foot senior tight end's first career varsity TD reception. Whittaker's club started the second half with the ball.  After a fine 37-yard kickoff return, THS quarterback Ben McFarland found Dante' Workman open for a 46-yard TD. LaVille was forced to punt on its next series, but on the 4th down situation, Triton's Esai Lemler blocked the punt attempt and Overmyer grabbed the ball out of the air, turned and hustled his way for a 38 yard score. Within three minutes in the third period, the Triton lead increased to 21-7. "Defensively, other than giving up 2 big plays, I felt we played decently," explained Kaiser.  "Anytime your special teams make big plays and of course score it kills any momentum you may have up to that point.  That block and score definitely hurt us. We will continue getting better each week." Allen led the LaVille running game with 96 yards on 20 carries.  LaFave was the top receiver with 72 yards on four catches, and a touchdown.  Czarnecki finished 8 of 21 for 115 yards through the air, and a TD. Jonathan Neese led the defense with 10 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery. Braedyn Foster 9 and Cole Stafford 9 tackles each. LHS (0-1) will play host to North Judson-San Pierre (1-0) on August 30.  Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. TRITON 27, LAVILLE 6 At Bourbon Score by quarters LaVille 0 6  0  0 -   6 Triton   0 7 14 6 - 27 T - Jayden Overmyer 11 run (Dante Workman kick) LV - Xzavian LaFave 24 pass from Collin Czarnecki (kick failed) T - Workman 46 pass from Ben McFarland (Workman kick) T - Overmyer 38 blocked punt return (Workman kick) T - Overmyer 52 run (kick blocked)