Triton quarterback Jordan Anderson surveys the scene. The senior rushed for three second-half touchdowns to rally his team past Caston 26-20 Friday night in Bourbon.

BOURBON – It was all about effort and attitude for the Triton football team Friday night.

The Trojans banked on a familiar face and a welcome addition to put together a hard-earned 26-20 season-opening win over Caston.

Star Jeremy Jones set the tone early and new quarterback Jordan Anderson led a tremendous second-half charge as the Trojans prevailed.

The win over the Comets was not only the first for new coach Ron Brown, who just took over the team in mid-July, but was also the first for Triton as a member of the newly formed Hoosier North Athletic Conference.

Seniors Jones and Anderson made sure the home fans went home happy Friday night.

Bulldozer Jones rushed for a 52-yard scoring jaunt on the first play of the season from scrimmage for the Trojans. The workhorse fullback accounted for 118 yards on 20 carries.

Jordan Anderson celebrates after one of his touchdown runs.

Anderson, one of the many new additions this fall that give the Trojans some much needed depth, was spectacular. He broke loose for three second-half touchdowns run, including a pair of fourth down plays and an even more remarkable one of 30 yards after he was seemingly sacked by the Caston defense.

“I don’t know how I did it,” said Anderson of his final touchdown run with 10:45 left in the game that gave his team a 26-12 edge. “I just kept on running. It’s all about my teammates. They blocked for me and did the job. We won this game with heart. It’s a great start and I’m loving it.”

Anderson’s fleet feet, which are more used to making noise on the hardwood, and Caston miscues set up a big final half for Triton. The Comets led 12-7 at halftime before a bad snap on a punt attempt and then fumbles on the next two possessions, all coming in the third quarter, led to all three Anderson touchdowns. Anderson, who did not attempt a pass, scored on runs of seven and 39 yards in the pivotal third quarter, each of those on fourth and short yardage plays.

“That first play, our line play was perfect on that,” said Jones of his 52-yard touchdown run just 18 seconds into the contest. “Words can’t describe how well Jordan did tonight in his first game. It’s just great having him here. I think we made a statement in the second half. We’re not going to quit and we’re coming to fight. This win sets the tone for us.”

Caston, which lost 34-0 to Triton a year ago, dominated the ball in the opening half. The Comets, who finished 3-8 just like Triton in 2014, led 12-7 at break.

“We needed this win to build on and keep our enthusiasm up,” said Brown. “I think that we are just going to get better and better as we go.

“We played a horrible first half and went in and told the guys that we were only down one score. It says a lot about our kids how they overcame adversity. The turnovers were extremely important. They helped our defense and we took advantage of the opportunities.

“We got a big game from this guy (pointing to Jones). They keyed on him and Jordan was able to get outside with his speed for big runs for us. We have a great 1-2 punch there.”

Triton scored 19 unanswered points to lead 26-12 before the Comets scored with just 1:17 to play. Triton’s Dylan Hensley then recovered an attempted onside kick and the Trojans ran out the clock.

Anderson finished his brilliant debut with 11 rushes for 97 yards.

The Trojans did not have a turnover, while the Comets had three. Drew Stichter had an interception and Griffen Julian and Chase Howell had fumble recoveries for Triton.

Triton had 47 players listed on its roster Friday night, although not all of them were available to play. Caston had 23 players in uniform for the game.

Triton hosts LaVille and Caston plays at North Judson in conference games next Friday night.

Triton standout Jeremy Jones was a handful for Caston Friday night.