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Preview: Princeton at Lakota West

Princeton LB PJ Nelson/ (photo By: Autumn Duncan / TriStateFootball.com)

It’s time for the cream of the crop to rise to the top. A second round Division I, Region 4 playoff matchup between a pair of GMC rivals opens November in grand fashion. Princeton hits the road to face Lakota West and its frenzied Firebirds crowd. The Vikings dropped the regular season battle, 31-7 on their home turf. Now, they are out to avenge that loss.

Lakota West recorded the school’s first ever undefeated 10-0 regular season. The Firebirds have their own agenda to take care of. They want to win this affair, get back to the regional championship for a second straight season and capture the crown that literally slipped through their fingers, a year ago.

#6 PRINCETON VIKINGS (9-2) at #3 LAKOTA WEST FIREBIRDS (11-0)
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m., November 4th
Firebird Stadium
Follow on Twitter: @TSFootball 

PLAYERS TO WATCH: The linebacking core for Princeton is deep and special. The quintet of seniors Breeon Ishmail, Blake Howard, juniors Solomon Ferrell, Travis Lawrence and sophomore PJ Howard can wreak havoc and change the vibe of a contest. They have combined for 14.0 sacks (Nelson – 5.0), 43.5 tackles for losses (Ishmail – 10.5), 10 forced fumbles (Nelson – five) and six takeaways (Ishmail – five).

Quarterback Mitch Bolden is the undeniable leader of the Lakota West offense. He has thrown for career highs of 2,296 yards and 26 touchdowns. The senior also has 498 yards and 10 touchdowns rushing. His top target is junior Brennan Remy who has 41 receptions for 633 yards and 10 touchdown catches.

The Firebirds defense is paced by senior defensive back Malik Hartford. The Ohio State commit is flanked by two other secondary studs, classmates Joshua Fussell and Ben Minich. Fussell, a Northwestern commit, has eight career interceptions. Minich who has pledged his allegiance to Notre Dame has a team high three interceptions including a pick six. Minich also has 14 receptions for 283 yards (20.2/rec) and three touchdown catches.

TEAM TRENDS: This will be the third meeting between the two schools since Andre Parker took over as head coach at Princeton in 2021. Lakota West has won the first two games by a combined score of 55-7 while not yielding a touchdown to the Vikings’ offense. The Firebirds have held Princeton to 59.5 yards passing in those victories.

Princeton must clean up sloppy play if they want to advance. The Vikings have been flagged for 59 penalties for 569 yards in the last five games. The Princeton defense has been a big reason why this team is pursuing its 10th win. They have posted four shutouts, racked up 26.0 sacks, 87.0 tackles for losses and 20 takeaways.

Lakota West does it with defense. The Firebirds are giving up just 8.4 points per game. They have held 10 foes to 14 points or less with three shutouts. Making things even more difficult for the opposition is a unit that has 25.0 sacks, 57.0 tackles for losses and four defensive turnovers on 14 takeaways. Lakota West has also returned three punts and a kickoff this season.

HEAD COACHES:
Princeton: Andre Parker (20-4 at Princeton, second year; 97-39 overall, 13th year)

Lakota West: Tom Bolden (36-7 at Lakota West, fourth year; 169-28 overall, 16th year)

PLAYOFF HISTORY:
Princeton (18th appearance, 23-14) – 2022, 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)

Lakota West (ninth appearance, 9-8) – 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2014, 2013, 2009, 2006, 2004

PRINCETON’S KEYS TO VICTORY: Be concise and look sharp. There is no room for avoidable mental miscues in a game like this. The talent is there to get past Lakota West. The confidence needs to be boosted with a string of positive outcomes early in the contest. The Vikings need to make a statement about who they are from the opening kickoff and not doubt their convictions.

LAKOTA WEST’S KEYS TO VICTORY: Land the knockout blow early. Don’t let Princeton believe they can hang around and play with the best that the Greater Miami Conference has to offer. Contain West II again and the defense will make life much easier on itself. Avoid giving up the big play in the return game. It’s the one thing that could really get the Vikings super-charged.

Prediction: Lakota West 27, Princeton 17

 

 

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