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Preview: #21 Lakota East at #3 Princeton

Lakota QB Jamison Kitna (photo by: Barry Burtenshaw / burtenshaw.smugmug.com) Lakota QB Jamison Kitna (photo by: Barry Burtenshaw / burtenshaw.smugmug.com)

Conference play has already started in the Greater Miami Conference and this week we head to Sharonville where #3 Princeton is home for the first time this season and hosting #21 Lakota East in the Blitz 5 Game of the Week. 

Things have been a bit rocky for Lakota East in its first two games. Things just aren’t in sync yet, but the future looks bright for the Thunderhawks who have a ton of talented underclassmen that are still finding out about themselves as players.

After a big win over reigning GMC champion Lakota West last Friday, Princeton now has its sights set on its first league crown in 20 years (2003 last league title). The Vikings are out to prove they are one of the Queen City’s upper echelon teams. 

#21 LAKOTA EAST THUNDERHAWKS (0-2) at #3 PRINCETON (2-0)
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.
Jake Sweeney Stadium, Pat Mancuso Field
Follow on X: @TSFootball 

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Both teams are loaded with young talent at the skills positions. Junior quarterback Jamison Kitna, sophomore running back Ryder Hooks and sophomore receiver Zion Neal have led the way for the Lakota East offense. Kitna has thrown for 370 yards with one rushing and one receiving touchdown. Neal has caught 18 balls for 240 yards and a touchdown. He has had more than 100 yards receiving in both games. Hooks ran for 83 yards on 14 carries last week against Hamilton.

Princeton sophomore quarterback Deangelo Birch leads the team with 103 yards rushing and has 169 yards and two touchdowns passing. Classmate David Hambrick has 99 yards and a pair of touchdowns on the ground. Junior Jordan Fitzpatrick paces the Vikings with three touchdowns (two rush, one rec) on just five offensive touches.

On defense, linebacker PJ Nelson is a special player. He had his first career interception last week, a pick-six against Lakota West. Heading into the third game of his junior season, Nelson already has eight sacks and seven forced fumbles in his career. Senior linebacker Solomon Farrell, junior defensive back Aiirriss Rosemond, sophomore linebacker Andre Parker and Nelson all have Division I FBS offers.

TEAM TRENDS: The Lakota East defense doesn’t have a sack or an interception. The Thunderhawks are -3 in turnover margin. 

The Vikings’ defense has been stellar against the run holding opponents to (-40) yards rushing on 45 carries. Princeton is holding foes to 86.0 yards of total offense per game. They already have 25.0 tackles for losses and seven sacks.

HEAD COACHES:
Lakota West: Jon Kitna (0-2 at Lakota East, first year; 68-44 overall, 11th year)

Princeton: Andre Parker (22-5 at Princeton, third year; 109-40 overall, 14th year)

PLAYOFF HISTORY:
Lakota East (five appearances, 4-5) – 2021, 2020, 2018, 2014, 2012

Princeton (18 appearances, 23-15) – 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2007, 2001, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990 (State runner-up), 1988 (State Runner-up), 1987 (State Champion), 1985, 1983 (State Champion), 1982, 1980, 1978 (State Champion), 1972 (State runner-up)

LAKOTA EAST’S KEYS TO VICTORY: Cause chaos, a young Princeton quarterback and offense has yet to face adversity this season. Force that unit to play under some duress. The offensive line must do a better job in pass protection. They have allowed seven sacks in two games. The o-line has done a good job at run blocking, but they will need to hold down the edges against a Vikings’ squad that is loaded with speed on the outside. 

PRINCETON’S KEYS TO VICTORY: Look for the Vikings to bring relentless pressure and wear down the Thunderhawks with defensive depth. Princeton will need to clean up sloppy play and limit unforced errors. They are averaging nine penalties and 72 yards in penalties per contest. 

Prediction: Princeton 35, Lakota East 7

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