Tigers hope to turn around a losing streak

PRINCETON — The Princeton Tigers will look to turnaround a two-game losing streak against a team which just saw its five-game winning streak snapped.

The Tigers (3-5) welcome in 11th-rated Cabell Midland (5-3) to Hunnicutt Stadium tonight for Senior Night.

Both teams are coming off tough losses, as the Knights lost 31-29 to Capital and Princeton fell 17-0 to Spring Valley.

“It was heartbreaking, especially for my seniors,” Princeton head coach Ted Spadaro said. “We’re trying to work hard to get a winning season for those kids and the team. Going into the last seven minutes, were behind just three points.

“Before I know it we were behind 17-0. We made three mistakes in that game and they scored on two them. Mistakes can make or break you.

“Now were sitting here 3-5 and have an opportunity to be 5-5. It depends on which team shows up Friday night.”

With the loss, the Tigers playoff hopes are all but done as they are now ranked 30th in the latest WVSSAC prep ratings. That still doesn’t mean the team has nothing to play for.

“They either have pride or they don’t,” Spadaro said. “That’s the whole thing about it. We can go 5-5 and have a winning season on that aspect of it.

“Everyone wants to go to the playoffs, but sometimes everyone doesn’t want to extend that extra mile to get there. We have to have everyone on the same system here from offense, defense to special teams.”

Princeton’s defense showed up last week as they limited Spring Valley to 248 yards, but the Tigers offense was shut out and has scored just six points in their last two games.

“We are making some changes in there to see if that will help us,” Spadaro said. “If it works, then we’ll go with it and if not, we’ll make another change. What hurts on offense is you have system and a rhythm.

“When everyone is healthy, it looks good. When everyone is not healthy, it doesn’t look as good. And when you have to make different changes, some kids step up and others don’t.”

Princeton’s offense say leading rusher Tahj Sho-Johnson return to action for about two quarters. They’ll also see Euneke Diaz return to the field tonight in a limited role.

The Tigers will be facing a Cabell Midland squad whose three losses have all been by a touchdown or less and to current playoff bound teams.

The Knights feature several returnees on both sides of the ball, including quarterback Stephen Hamer and running backs Cody Carter and Lowell Farley. They also return four of the seven lineman who saw action last season.

“There a big football team,” Spadaro said. “They have a big line and they execute well. The big thing with them is they control the line of scrimmage on offense and defense.

“What we have to do is take away what they do best. That is running the football. I’ve been pleased all year with our defense. We have to get some offense rolling and get going.”

Spadaro is hoping his punt return unit can do the same. After struggling with various problems on special team throughout the season, the Tigers’ punt return unit was non-existent last week according to the coach.

“The big improvements have been on kickoffs, kick returns and covering punts,” Spadaro continued. “I’ve been real happy with punt coverage. The other night if the officials had called it the right way we had a chance to go up 7-3.

“I’m not happy with punt returns, because no one wants to catch it. I’ve been moving around five different people and they look pretty good in practice, but in the game, they lose their nerve back there.”

For Princeton to win, Spadaro says the Tigers have to cut back on turnovers and penalties. Princeton had four turnovers against Spring Valley and six penalties for 62 yards.

“We have to control both sides of the ball,” Spadaro said. “We have to get rid of these ridiculous turnovers and penalties. For no reason at all, some of players take it personal and they get that personal foul penalty against us.

“Instead of them thinking about the team, they think about themselves and they get caught up and it hurts the team.”

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Hunnicutt Stadium.

“I’d like to see Princeton win this game for these seniors,” Spadaro said. “I hope our underclassman will step it up and do what we ask of them this week to help our seniors go out with a win Friday night.”