PREP FOOTBALL: Bulldogs' backfield trio, O-line has put in the work

By Ben Coley
Published in Sports on September 9, 2016 9:57 AM

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PRINCETON -- Before the season began, Princeton head coach Travis Gaster knew that he wanted to run the Wing-T, and that he wanted to run it quickly.

Through three games this year, his offense has accepted that challenge. It's to the point where a three-headed monster has developed in the Bulldogs' backfield -- seniors Matt Stallworth, Earl Gibson Jr. and Trace James.

Despite a 1-2 record, the Bulldogs have averaged 46.3 points per game. Stallworth, Gibson Jr. and James have combined for 1,282 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns. Stallworth -- the area's leading rusher -- has tallied 626 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.

Gaster said that each running back is fast, runs behind his pads and does a good job of finishing runs. The second-year coach added the main reason behind the running backs' success has been the offensive line -- Luke Braswell, LeShane White, Bryce Harrington, Jordan Stallworth and Kevin Barber.

"(The offensive line) has worked well as a unit," Gaster said. "They all work extremely hard in the weight room all spring and all summer. And it has paid off for them so far this season."

Tonight, those offensive linemen will try to protect the running back trio from North Johnston defenders -- particularly 6-foot-4, 240-pound senior defensive end Ben Jaramillo.

Gaster believes Jaramillo is the Panthers' best defensive player, and that his offense will have its hands full when lining up against him every down.

"We're going to have to find him and decide how we're going to block him," Gaster said. "Whether that's with our best O lineman or with two of our best O linemen. The one thing with Wing-T is, you don't really know how a team is going to line up until you get out there on the field Friday night."

The Panthers opened their season with wins against Louisburg and Rosewood, but dropped last week's game to Big East 3-A member Nash Central.

After a dominating win over Kestrel Heights to open the year, Princeton has dropped two consecutive games to Midway and Franklinton.

However, the Bulldogs have closed the gap from 2015. Last year, Princeton lost to the Raiders and Rams by a combined score of 51-14. This season, it was narrowed to 93-81 -- albeit more high-scoring, but better results nonetheless.

But Princeton -- who lost 32-12 against North Johnston last year -- wants to do more than close the gap against the Panthers. They want it to disappear.

While Gaster readily admits the Wing-T still has some noticeable growing pains, he likes the improvement he's seen. It's hard enough worrying about one running back. Imagine having to worry about three of them.

"(The Wing-T) is hard to cover," Gaster said. "It's easy to put nine guys up on the line of scrimmage, one safety and a corner out covering a receiver, and just think you can't run anywhere. But the Wing-T has some wrinkles in it. Some we've shown and some we haven't that we can combat that with."