Carolina rivals Princeton, Rosewood playing for high stakes

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on November 6, 2014 1:48 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

PRINCETON -- They've met 53 times on the gridiron.

But none is more crucial than No. 54.

The Princeton-Rosewood rivalry rises in importance Friday evening at Branch Pope Field. The winner not only claims sole possession of second place in Carolina 1-A Conference play, but secures an opening-round home playoff game.

"The James Kenan game was the turning point for us," RHS head coach Robert Britt said. "We put forth a really good effort and we told the guys if we play with that effort week after week and believe in one another, we could have this chance at the end of the season.

"Now here we are."

Princeton expected to be here -- but in first place had it not been for a three-minute hiccup against No. 2-ranked James Kenan.

The No. 4-ranked Bulldogs (9-1 overall, 4-1 Carolina) have won two straight and four of the last seven meetings in the series against the Eagles since 2008.

"A big game," PHS head coach Derrick Minor said.

"They (Rosewood) seem to have gotten better as the year has gone on. They're improving and getting things clicking, are building a little momentum which definitely helps you."

Rosewood (6-4, 4-1) started the season 0-3, but has reeled off six victories in its last seven outings. Kenan handed Britt's team it's lone defeat during the stretch.

The Eagles have minimized turnovers, penalties and controlled the time of possession during the past 11/2 months. They've broken big plays on occasion, but first-year quarterback Cameron Helt has learned to manage the game.

In its new offensive package, Rosewood averages 309 yards per game and 6.7 yards per play. Mike Woodard, the area's second-leading rusher, has rambled for 1,327 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Helt has 62 completions to amazingly just five receivers for 1,133 yards and 14 touchdowns.

"Our defense has, each week, stepped up and played phenomenal," Minor said. "They're going to have to have a good night. (If we) play to the best of our ability each snap, I think we'll be OK."

Princeton has shed its one-dimensional image. The Bulldogs still have Johnny Frasier -- the school's all-time, single-season career rushing leader.

But Minor has more weapons.

Kiadae Richardson and Adrian Whack have produced in the backfield during the second half of the season. Senior quarterback Mike Wooten has groomed a corps of receivers that have matured and developed stronger skills in Minor's package.

Wooten has thrown for a league-leading 1,533 yards and tossed 17 touchdown passes to 10 different receivers. His top two targets are Cam Jackson (10 catches, 422 yards) and Tanner Woodard (21-312).

Overall, 26 players have contributed to the Bulldogs' offensive success in either the rushing or passing attack.

"They're doing a better job this year of doing different things with Johnny that allows other players to get the ball and make some plays for them," Britt said. "Johnny is getting less touches, but that keeps him healthy at the right time of the year. All of their kids are playing with more confidence.

"Our goal is to keep their guys in front of us (and) we have to be able to tackle."