High school football is different. It’s not just a game; it’s the heartbeat of a Friday night when the humidity is thick or the Massachusetts wind is biting through your fleece. Specifically, if you’re looking at Triton High School football right now, you’re actually looking at a few different worlds. Most people get confused because there are "Tritons" all over the map—from the Mustangs in Runnemede, New Jersey, to the Vikings in Byfield, and the Hawks down in Erwin, North Carolina.
Honestly, each of these programs just wrapped up seasons that felt like a rollercoaster. You’ve got teams breaking decades-old rushing records and others navigating massive coaching shifts. It’s a lot to keep track of, but if you're a fan or a parent, the 2025 season told a very specific story about where these programs are headed in 2026.
The Record-Breaking Year in Byfield
In Massachusetts, the Triton Regional Vikings are undergoing a massive identity shift. For years, the talk was about consistency, but 2025 felt like a breakthrough in terms of individual grit. If you haven't heard the name Jayden Lucy, you haven't been paying attention.
This kid didn't just play well; he basically rewrote the record books. In a late-season win against Salem—a 34-20 victory that saved the vibe of the season—Lucy put up a video-game stat line: 328 rushing yards and four touchdowns on only 17 carries. That performance pushed him to 30 touchdowns on the year, a new school record.
Coaching Transitions and New Blood
The Vikings also dealt with the "new guy" energy this year. Ed Melanson took over the head coaching reins from Patrick Sheehan, and while a 4-7 record might not look like a championship on paper, the transition was about building a foundation. Melanson isn't some outsider; he’s a North Shore veteran who’s coached at Peabody and North Reading. He knows the Cape Ann League. He knows how to win in Division 6.
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The roster is young, too. Look at the names coming up:
- Sam Harding (So., QB/DB): Getting those crucial varsity reps early.
- Luke Linehan (So., RB/LB): Part of that new defensive core.
- Rich Lynch (Jr., OL/DL): A 6'4", 270-lb frame that Melanson is going to build around next year.
The Mustang Surge in Runnemede
Down in New Jersey, the Triton Mustangs had a completely different experience. They finished 7-3, which is a massive statement. Coach Dom Tomeo has this team playing a brand of football that’s aggressive and, frankly, exhausting for opponents.
The standout here? Jaylen Morris. The kid is a triple threat. He led the team in receiving yards (averaging a wild 179 per game at one point), rushing yards, and even snagged interceptions. When you have a player like that, you aren't just running a playbook; you're playing chess while the other team is playing checkers.
The Mustangs’ season ended with a tough 35-6 loss to Cedar Creek in the NJSIAA Group 3 playoffs, but the momentum is real. They shut out Deptford 35-0 and handled Egg Harbor Township 27-0. That defensive consistency is what’s going to make them a nightmare in the West Jersey Memorial division next fall.
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Hard Knocks for the Hawks in Erwin
Then you have the Triton Hawks in North Carolina. 2025 was... tough. There’s no other way to put it. Finishing 3-8 (2-5 in the conference) isn't what anyone wanted, but high school football is often cyclical.
The Hawks struggled with a brutal late-season stretch, dropping games to South Johnston, Harnett Central, and J.H. Rose. But even in a "down" year, you saw flashes. Jamarcus Shaw was a bright spot, averaging over 60 rushing yards per game. Josiah Webb was a tackling machine on defense.
The "Harnett County" rivalry remains one of the most intense atmospheres in the state. Even when the record isn't pretty, that game against Harnett Central is a sell-out, standing-room-only event that reminds everyone why Triton High School football matters to the community.
Breaking Down the "Triton" Discrepancy
If you’re searching for scores, you have to be careful. Google often lumps these schools together, but the styles of play couldn't be more different.
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| School Location | Mascot | 2025 Record | Key Player to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Byfield, MA | Vikings | 4-7 | Jayden Lucy (RB) |
| Runnemede, NJ | Mustangs | 7-3 | Jaylen Morris (WR/CB) |
| Erwin, NC | Hawks | 3-8 | Jamarcus Shaw (RB) |
| Bourbon, IN | Trojans | 7-4 | Jayden Overmyer (LB) |
Note: The Indiana Triton Trojans also had a solid 7-4 run, showing that the "Triton" name is apparently a magnet for competitive football programs.
What Most People Get Wrong About These Programs
People tend to look at MaxPreps rankings and assume they know the whole story. They don't. They don't see the 6:00 AM weight room sessions or the way a town like Runnemede shuts down for the Highland rivalry.
Specifically, for the Vikings in MA, the rivalry with Pentucket is the "Thanksgiving Day" staple. It doesn't matter if you're 0-10 or 10-0; that game is the season. In NJ, it’s the Highland Regional game. These aren't just games; they are local history lessons passed down from fathers to sons.
Actionable Steps for the 2026 Season
If you're a student-athlete or a die-hard fan looking toward next year, here’s how to actually stay ahead of the curve:
- Follow the Real-Time Stats: Don't just wait for the local paper. Use the MaxPreps "Fan" app specifically for your zip code. The "Triton" naming overlap is too high for generic searches.
- Watch the Junior Class: Across all three major Triton schools (MA, NJ, NC), the core talent is currently in the 11th grade. The 2026 season will be a "Senior Heavy" year, which usually means a spike in wins.
- Support the Boosters: High school sports budgets are shrinking. Whether it’s the "Hawk Talk" in NC or the Vikings' fundraisers in Byfield, the equipment and travel funds come from the community.
- Check Recruiting Boards: If you're looking for Jayden Lucy or Jaylen Morris, keep an eye on 247Sports and Rivals starting this spring. Their 2025 performances have put them on the radar for Division II and Division III scouts.
The beauty of Triton football—whichever one you follow—is that the slate wipes clean every August. The records from 2025 are in the books, but the off-season work is where the 2026 championships are actually won.