Princeton-N. Edgecombe

By Allen Etzler
Published in Sports on September 7, 2014 12:02 AM

• Print
• Email

aetzler@newsargus.com

PRINCETON -- Princeton had some jitters playing in front of a packed house in its home opener against North Edgecombe.

The Bulldogs committed three penalties on the first drive and were forced to punt. It proved to be the only time the Warriors would have any kind of momentum.

On the third play from scrimmage, Princeton's Kiadae Richardson ripped the ball from Warriors running back Antwoin Pittman for a turnover. The Bulldogs scored on their next three possessions and claimed a 43-14, non-conference win Friday evening.

"I think they had some butterfiles," Princeton coach Derrick Minor said of the slow start. "The stadium was packed and I think the guys really are seeing the support. Before kickoff when you see that every seat is filled that's a great feeling."

Princeton's defense forced seven turnovers and held North Edgecombe to 60 yards of total offense in less than three quarters.

"I think (East Carteret) was a wake up call for us," said Minor, whose team gave up 42 points in its season opener. "I think the guys realized we have to do our work defensively and do a little bit better job. They stepped up tonight."

Junior Adrian Whack posted 12 tackles, a forced fumble, a quarterback sack and interception. He spent most of the game as a stand-up middle linebacker, but moved to defensive end where he could cause more havoc against the Warriors.

"I felt like they were keying on me at linebacker," said Whack, who also scored Princeton's first two touchdowns on runs of 5 and 10 yards.

"But when I moved to the end I just had a party. I got to shine a little bit tonight (offensively). But none of that happens without those guys up front doing their jobs and letting me run free."

Florida State commit Johnny Frasier and quarterback Michael Wooten each did their usual damage. Frasier rushed for 118 yards and two scores on just seven touches. He nearly caught a deep ball that would have gone for another score, but it fell just out of his reach.

The missed long ball was one of just four incompletions Wooten threw all night. The senior went 11-15 for 159 yards including a 29-yard score to his favorite target Tanner Woodard. Woodard had four grabs for 61 yards.

"We're continuing to prove we're a true dual-threat team," Minor said of his offense. "It was a good night."