Preview: Sycamore at Princeton

Don’t let the records fool you, Sycamore and Princeton are very evenly matched in this week’s U.S. Marines Battle of the Gridiron Series donnybrook. The visiting Aviators may have a losing record but they have the talent and an opportunity to make the Division II, Region 4 playoffs. Host Princeton is has been one of the most pleasant surprises in Division II, Region 8. The Vikings need at least two wins in the last three games to ensure a postseason berth.

Sycamore RB Ra’Von Bonner (photo by Justin Sheldon/TriStateFootball.com)

The stakes are high and the mistakes will be costly for two teams that seek validation and still have something to prove. Hearts and souls will be poured out on the field in a contest that promises to go down to the wire.

SYCAMORE AVIATORS (3-4, 2-2) at PRINCETON VIKINGS (5-2, 2-2)
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m., Viking Stadium, Pat Mancuso Field
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PLAYERS TO WATCH: Ra’Von Bonner is 121 yards away from becoming Sycamore’s all-time leading rusher. It is a record that has stood has stood for 44 years when Paul Jordan set it from 1969-72. The Illinois-bound Bonner has 3,649 yards rushing in his career including 1,100 with 19 touchdowns this season. Aviators quarterback Jake Borman set the school record for passing yards two weeks ago and is two touchdown passes away from the school career mark. Borman has thrown for 1,162 yards and six touchdowns this season. He has 3,481 yards and 22 touchdowns through the air during his career.

Solomon Reed is having a rock solid season under center for Princeton. The senior has thrown for 1,321 yards and 17 touchdowns. His favorite targets are a trio receivers, Raymond Kozlowski, Rafael Floyd and CJ Henderson. They have combined to catch 56 passes for 1,113 yards and 12 touchdowns. Kozlowski is a force in all phases of the game. He has a team high five receiving touchdowns, averages 26.1 per reception, 42.0 per punt, has three interceptions, one pick six, one touchdown pass and 544 all-purpose yards on 19 touches.

Princeton WR/DB/P Raymond Kozlowski (photo from Scouting Ohio)

TEAM TRENDS: Three of Sycamore’s four losses have been by one, three and eight points. The combined record of the teams that they Aviators have faced is 30-19. After giving up 200 yards or more rushing four times in the first five outings the Sycamore defense has allowed just 34 and 71 yards in the last two games.

Princeton is +10 in turnover margin. The Vikings have 18 takeaways including 12 interceptions. They have only allowed more than 21 points once this season.

SYCAMORE’S KEYS TO VICTORY: Teams have moved the ball on the Aviators defense. Sycamore has to make Princeton one-dimensional on offense. Taking away either the pass or the run is only going to enhance their chances to come out on top. Controlling the clock by running Bonner will be much more effective with an early lead.

PRINCETON’S KEYS TO VICTORY: The Vikings have to come to play from the opening kickoff. Princeton dug itself a 21-0 hole to Hamilton, by halftime last Friday night. That can’t happen this week because there will be no stopping Bonner and the Aviators ground game late in this affair. They must keep the Sycamore offense off the field as long as they can.

Prediction: SYCAMORE 28, PRINCETON 24

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