FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Gaster says Bulldogs control their destiny

By Ben Coley
Published in Sports on November 4, 2016 9:57 AM

• Print
• Email

The Carolina 1-A Conference has offered its share of surprises in the 2016 season.

Since its formation in 2013, James Kenan has won or shared the league each of the past three seasons. But that streak is in danger of coming to an end, partly due to Princeton.

The Bulldogs (4-5 overall, 3-1 CC) is currently tied with North Duplin and Lakewood for first place. They've defeated both North Duplin and James Kenan, but were soundly beaten by Lakewood last week.

Princeton entered the game averaging 37.25 points per game, but the Leopards held the explosive offense to just two TDs.

"We just have to concentrate on us, and not worry about our opponent as much," said Bulldogs' head coach Travis Gaster. "Just concentrating on doing the little things that we need to be successful."

Rosewood, however, has yet to cash in on the seemingly wide-open conference. The Eagles are 1-3 in league play after two consecutive one-point losses to Lakewood and Spring Creek.

"Our kids work hard year round," Britt said. "They understand that things like that sometimes happen. But that doesn't take away from all the work that they've done and put in year round to get ready for the season."

The primary challenge for the Eagles will be Princeton's Wing-T formation, which given defenses fits all season.

The main beneficiaries of the misdirection offense -- Matt Stallworth and Earl Gibson Jr. -- have combined for 2,771 yards and 37 TDs. That's 1,350 yards more than the pair had last year, and there are still two games remaining in the regular season.

"It's going to be a challenge, that's for sure," Britt said. "They're big and strong up front. They snap the ball quick coming out of the huddle. We have to be sound in our gap assignments, line up correctly and be able to make tackles."

Rosewood leads the all-time series, 39-16, but Princeton has won four consecutive games. A fifth straight win over the Eagles would be a significant step. Princeton would be one step closer to winning its first conference championship since 1983.

"They know that everything we've set out for this season is still out there in front of us, but we have to do our part," Gaster said. "We can very easily hand this thing over a few times, and drop all the way down to below the middle of the pack in our conference."