Hungry Bulldogs have unfinished business

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on November 13, 2014 1:49 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

PRINCETON -- On the eve of their regular-season finale, Princeton's coaching staff held a senior ceremony before practice.

Tears flowed freely.

Pats on the back were exchanged.

It was an emotional moment for the Bulldogs, especially those who know their respective prep football careers are coming to an end at some point this fall.

But they're not done -- yet.

No. 3-ranked Princeton (10-1 overall) kicks off the 2014 N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 1-AA playoffs at home Friday against Northampton County. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at Harvey Brooks Field.

Admission is $7.

"These seniors have put three years of their life into this and they're seeing the good work come out of it," said Minor, who has guided the Dogs to four playoff wins and a trip to the eastern regional final in 2012.

"These seniors have been in the big games. I think there's a hunger. We have unfinished business, there's no doubt about it. To be there and have the experience, they know what it takes to get back there, and what we need to do to push forward."

That's confidence and dedication.

"We have to stay focused, and do the little things on and off the field," said senior linebacker Cody Garner, who has recorded an eye-popping 123 tackles, including nine for a loss.

The next-closest tackler is two-way performer Adrian Whack with 70, including 12 hits for losses. Tanner Woodard has logged a team-best 14 tackles for loss and 57 stops overall.

Princeton's defensive unit faces an anemic Northampton offense that has been held to a touchdown or less in four outings, and endured a pair of shutout losses.

The 13th-seeded Jaguars (2-8) qualified for the playoffs with a 56-40 shootout win over Rocky Mount Prep in the regular-season finale for both teams. Northampton's two victories have been on the road.

The Bulldogs coerced Rosewood into six turnovers on downs and stopped two drives on the 1-yard line last Friday.

"That's two weeks in a row they've done a tremendous job of bending and not breaking all the way down to the goal line ... can't ask for anything better," said Minor of the group that's recorded 81 hits behind the line of scrimmage, forced 19 turnovers and logged 17 sacks.

Northampton's defense has the daunting task of stopping Princeton's high-powered offense. A juggernaut with two of the area's top performers, the Bulldogs have compiled nearly 5,000 yards of total offense.

Shrine Bowl pick and Florida State commit Johnny Frasier has rambled for 1,853 yards and 27 touchdowns. Quarterback Mike Wooten has thrown for 1,648 yards and 19 touchdowns with Cam Jackson (506 yards) and Tanner Woodard (344 yards) as his main targets. The duo has combined to reel in eight TD passes.

"It's tough to game plan against us because we are truly blessed with the skill guys we've got this year," Minor said. "The O-line -- the unsung heroes -- are blocking like they're supposed to and giving Mike an extra second or two to throw the football.

"Good things are happening."