Triopia set for showdown in Champaign

For a team that makes a living out of running the ball, the Triopia-Meredosia defense sure is getting used to defending the pass.

Triopia (13-0) has played, and beaten, pass-happy offenses each of the past two Saturdays. Next up is Stark County (10-3), in the Class 1A state title game Friday at Memorial Stadium in Champaign. “As many reps as we’ve seen passing the last couple weeks, I think our kids are getting a little bit better feel as to how to cover and how to drop into their zones and what to look for,” Triopia coach Rich Thompson said. “The D line is getting their pass rush technique down, and I think you saw us improve in the second half of the game against Salt Fork the other day, and get a little more heat on the quarterback.”