By JONATHAN GREENE
Bluefield Daily Telegraph
PRINCETON —
The Princeton Tigers will look to bounce back after a tough loss last week against Mercer County rival Bluefield Friday night.
Princeton head coach Ted Spadaro is hoping his team will not get caught up in the hype of a rivalry game.
“The big thing is staying focused,” Spadaro said. “Not getting caught up in the hype and just playing football.”
Last week, Princeton fell to Spring Valley 28-19 despite leading after three quarters.
“It just seemed like we couldn’t hold on,” Spadaro said looking back on the loss. “We were looking for a break to get a score to win late, it just didn’t happen”
Princeton’s defense allowed Spring Valley’s Anthony Evans to score two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, including a 71-yard back-breaking score late.
“We didn’t do a good enough to lock up,” Spadaro said. “Two or three times we had them on the ropes and let them get out. We just relaxed and didn’t lock up.”
Spadaro knows his team cannot have the same problems this week against the Beavers. Last week, Bluefield overpowered Graham with 430 yards while limiting their opponent to just 115.
“They are a mirror of themselves over the last ten years,” Spadaro said of Bluefield’s talent. “They’ve got a great offense, defense and special teams. They have it all.”
Princeton will see a plethora of talent coming out of Bluefield’s backfield, including Levi Beckett, Brad Fox, Byron Steptoe and Trey Williams.
“I don’t know if you can slow them down,” Spadaro on Bluefield’s offense. “We’re going to work hard to keep them in between the tackles. Its going to be tough because whoever they put in there can run.”
Spadaro was pleased with his young group’s performance last week on offense.
“I thought our kids played well,” Spadaro said. “We just have to work on our weaknesses now.”
One weakness in particular he said was blocking. When you have talented players like Tevin Allen, O.B. Pannell and Corey Quick guiding the offense, they need time and room to make plays. Last week, Princeton managed 220 yards rushing against Spring Valley and 98 yards passing.
According to Spadaro, they will need to limit their mistakes this week to win.
“Ball control, field position and making the least amount of mistakes,” Spadaro said on the keys to winning.
Spadaro knows no matter the outcome of Friday night’s game, the season will not be over.
“I know its our county rival and the community comes out,” Spadaro said. “We still have eight more games after them. You can’t base your season on one game.”
Princeton travels to Mitchell Stadium Friday night for a showdown with Bluefield. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
— Contact Jonathan Greene
at jgreene@bdtonline.com
