Preview: Mason at Princeton

#6 Mason (7-2, 7-1 GMC) at #4 Princeton (8-1, 7-1 GMC)
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m., October 21st
Mancuso Field at Viking Stadium
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PLAYERS TO WATCH: Mason tailback Nick Sailers has been on a tear over the last couple of weeks. The senior has rushed for 483 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season and 292 of those yards and seven of those touchdowns have come in his last two outings. In fact, Sailers has scored all eight Comet touchdowns in this two week span as they have given him 41 touches. Mason has also gotten a big lift from kicker Colson Bunch who has gone 4-5 over the last two outings with a long of 40 yards. Kai Woolfolk leads the team with 55 tackles and Sean Kruekeberg anchors the defense with three interceptions.

As quarterback RJ West goes, so do the Vikings. West ranks second in the league in passing with 1,347 yards and 14 touchdowns and eighth in rushing as he has sprinted for 535 yards and 10 more scores. The dual threat has been tough for opposing defenses all season. Wideouts Riley Woods (495 yds, 7 TD) and Dorian Williams (314 yds, 3 TD) have been matchup nightmares for opposing secondaries and running backs Deandre Retherford (88 car, 606 yds, 8 TD) and Teryntino Brown-Freeman (69 car, 481 yds, 7 TD) are a two-headed monster in the backfield.

TEAM TRENDS: Mason has rushed the ball 77 times for 425 yards and seven touchdowns over their last two games. They are only 14-30 passing in that span, good for a 46 percent completion percentage. Defensively the Comets have held their opponents to 13 and seven points respectively during their winning streak.

Princeton leads the conference in scoring at 38.6 points per game and have averaged 42 points over their last three contests. They are churning out a whopping 411.3 yards per game with 251.4 of that coming from the rushing attack. On the defensive side of the ball, the Vikings have limited their opponents to 8.7 points during their four game winning streak.

HEAD COACHES:

Mason: Brian Castner (81-54 at Mason, 13th year; 81-54 overall)

Princeton: Andre Parker (19-3 at Princeton, one year; 96-38 overall, 12 years)

PLAYOFF HISTORY:

Mason (13 appearances, 4-13) – 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2011, 2004, 2003, 1999, 1997, 1996

Princeton (17 appearances, 22-14) – 2021, 2020, 2019, 2007, 2001, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990 (State runner-up), 1988 (State Runner-up), 1987 (State Champion), 1985, (State Champion), 1982, 1980, 1978 (State Champion), 1972 (State runner-up)

MASON KEYS TO VICTORY: Run the ball well. Mason has been great in the running game over the last couple of weeks. For a victory Friday night they will need to do much of the same, controlling the clock to keep the Princeton offense off of the field. Nick Sailers will need to get his touches that can possibly open up some big plays through play action. On defense they will need to make tackles in space to help keep the game close. If they do, they will be in position to win.

PRINCETON KEYS TO VICTORY: Get off to a fast start. The last thing the Vikings want is a physical grinding game with the Comets. The quicker they can get out to a lead, the better as they can take Mason away from their strength in the run game. The Vikings should get the ball to their playmakers in space and let their athletes perform the way they have all season. If this happens, all will be positive on Chester road Friday night.