FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Princeton's Gaster hopes summer work pays off

By Aviel Smolka
Published in Sports on August 14, 2018 5:51 AM

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By AVIEL SMOLKA

asmolka@newsargus.com

PRINCETON -- Princeton's football team hopes to grow from puppies to Bulldogs this season.

However, one look at the roster tells a story -- the Bulldogs have had another season of turnover, especially on offense.

After losing its top three running backs in 2016, Princeton now has to replace its offensive line. Still fourth-year head coach Travis Gaster sees a lot potential in his team and expects to see them compete for a conference championship this season.

"We expect to be a champion. That's our goal for sure," Gaster said. "Now the difference is last year we lost all of our backfield and had replace our runners, this year we lost all of our linemen and we have to replace our linemen.

"It'll be a bigger adjustment for us this year than it was last year."

Princeton's summer workouts consisted of lifting weights, running on the track, running up the bleachers and flipping heavy tires.

The conditioning and strength training should help the Bulldogs control the ball and be sound in their blocking schemes.

"Being in shape is the difference in the outcome of the ball game," Gaster said.

For the Bulldogs to be successful this season they will need to be good up front and run the ball effectively, which will help the Bulldogs control clock and the line of scrimmage.

"It's been proven that the blueprint can work. We can be successful by out working other teams," Gaster said. "That's what we've preached. We tell that to them all the time that's it only the opportunity we have to be successful."

Returning running backs Lamarr Wilkins and John Lockamy will carry the load offensively. Last season, Wilkins rushed for 1,608 yards and 21 touchdowns. Lockamy rushed for 717 yards and eight touchdowns.

Senior linebackers Tyler Whitley and Nathan Ramby also should have another productive season for the Bulldogs on defense.

In order for the Bulldogs to advance further into the playoffs, Gaster needs his group of seniors to be team leaders. He was impressed by the progress they made last year.

"It was about halfway through the season last year when the junior group, who are seniors now, I really felt like really became major contributors to our football team," Gaster said. "Their progression has been very exciting for me."

To keep the Bulldogs hungry, Gaster reminds his players of the good and bad moments from last season. Drawing the connections between the good and bad plays will better prepare the Bulldogs for critical in-game moments.

And when the Bulldogs do find themselves in tough in-game situations, Gaster wants his players to remember that they're more than capable of competing at the highest level.

"I want those young men to have a bank," Gaster said. "A savings account so to speak where he can go in there and say 'hey man I've done this, I've prepared for this. I've busted my rear end to be in this situation right here right now' instead of just saying 'I hope I have enough strength to get it done.'

"I want them to know they have enough strength and endurance to do what we're asking them to."

Gaster's goal is to instill a good work ethic in his team that will allow them to achieve the standards he has set for them.

Princeton will need to have a good work ethic and be able to execute in every phase of the game if it hopes to win the Carolina 1-A Conference. Last year the Bulldogs finished third behind state runner-up North Duplin and Lakewood.

"If your kids are not motivated, then you don't stand chance no matter how talented you are. You'll lose every Friday night," Gaster said.