Preview: #3 Lakota West vs. #2 Princeton
- Updated: November 7, 2023
Our Blitz 5 Game of the Week features a GMC rematch when Lakota West takes on Princeton on Friday night. The Firebirds and Vikings will clash at Dwyer Field in Mason with a chance to push through to the regional final next week. Princeton seeks to down Lakota West for the second time this season and show why they were the GMC champions. Lakota West aims to get back to the regional final for the fourth straight season with eyes on taking that next step to state. The atmosphere is sure to be electric when the two rivals meet with everything on the line.
#3 Lakota West Firebirds vs. #2 Princeton Vikings
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.
Dwire Field at Atrium Stadium
Follow on X @tsfootball
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Lakota West has been led offensively by junior quarterback Sam Wiles. Wiles has led a 10-game winning streak after the Firebirds fell to 0-2 to start the season. He has been a balanced player able to hurt defenses through the air or on the ground. Wiles has passed for 1,015 yards and 12 touchdowns through the air. On the ground he has rushed 94 times for 490 yards and six more scores. His leadership has been a big part of the Firebirds’ success. Sophomore Braydon Johnson has 519 yards rushing with seven touchdowns and Brennan Remy has caught 41 balls for 517 yards and five touchdowns as the top receiving threat. On the defensive side of the ball Grant Beerman leads the team with 65 tackles, Elijah Davis has 5.5 sacks, and Taebron Bennie is second in the league with three interceptions.
Princeton has leaned on quarterback DeAngelo Birch to lead them offensively. The sophomore has thrown for 1,196 yards and 10 touchdowns while completing 65 percent of his passes. He has also rushed for 398 yards and two scores. Teryntino Brown-Freeman has rushed for 340 yards and 9 touchdowns and Antonio Hunter has hauled in 41 receptions for 374 yards. Defensively PJ Nelson has led the charge for the Vikings. Nelson has 82 tackles, 11 sacks and one interception.
TEAM TRENDS: Lakota West boasts one of the best defenses in the entire state. The Firebirds have been tough on that side of the ball. They give up a mere 7.6 PPG including only 149 YPG making them very hard to score on. Offensively the Firebirds finished second in the league with 159 rushing yards per game and averaged a league best 31.8 PPG during the regular season.
Princeton has been great on both sides of the ball en route to a GMC championship. The Vikings put up 31.6 PPG and have been exceptional in the run game. Defensively, they have been a hard team to put points up on as they hold opponents to 10.6 PPG.
HEAD COACHES:
Lakota West: Tom Bolden (49-10 at Lakota West, four years; 181-31 overall, 16 years)
Princeton: Andre Parker (32-5 at Princeton, third year; 119-40 overall, 14th year)
PLAYOFF HISTORY:
Lakota West (nine appearances, 11-9) – 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2014, 2013, 2009, 2006, 2004
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 WEST’S KEYS TO VICTORY: The Firebirds have been stellar in the run game and should give Princeton a steady dose with Johnson and Wiles rushing the ball. This could soften the Vikings’ defense and lead to some big plays through the air. Defensively, stopping the run will be a key factor. If all goes according to plan, Lakota West should get the win.
PRINCETON’S KEYS TO VICTORY: Princeton has the athletes to hit the big play at any given moment. They’ll need to generate some big plays so as to not get into a grind it out type of game that Lakota West thrives in. If they can play from in front, they will have a great chance to advance.
Prediction: Lakota West 27, Princeton 17
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