AIR FORCE: Princeton High quarterback Zack DiGregorio goes to the air in a scrimmage last month. PHS is counting on senior DiGregorio to step up this fall as he takes over the starting QB spot. The Little Tigers will kick off their 2012 campaign by hosting Northern Burlington on September 8.
(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

The Princeton High football team only won three games last fall but that amounted to marked progress since the program was coming off a winless season in 2010.

In the view of PHS head coach Joe Gargione, the improvement experienced last year should carry into this fall.

“I do feel that we are more confident; I believe we are a more solid team,” said Gargione, whose team kicks off its 2012 campaign by hosting Northern Burlington on September 8.

“We were 3-7 last year but we lost three games by a total of 11 points. My big phrase this summer has been don’t be satisfied with being good, always try to be better.”

Senior quarterback Zack DiGregorio has exemplified Gargione’s theme. “Zack has really stepped up; he did a lot of weight training and he got some quarterback coaching,” said Gargione.

“His arm strength is much better, he is moving really well in the pocket. He is being his own guy; he is not trying to be like Alex [last year’s starting QB Alex Mitko]. His attitude is that it is his position now.”

PHS will be featuring junior Will Harrison and senior Javon Pannell at the tailback position with senior Ben Smallzman at fullback.

“Will Harrison is No. 1 right now,” said Gargione. “He is an aggressive runner. He has worked hard. He is not a big kid but he hits the hole hard. Ben has taken a step up at fullback.”

Gargione is depending on junior Liam Helstrom to step up at tight end. “Liam Helstrom at tight end is a big player for us,” asserted Gargione. “He has good hands. He is only 6’2, 170 pounds but he is very strong.”

While PHS is losing a strong receiver in the graduated Eric Shorter (49 receptions for 1,052 yards in 2011), Gargione believes the Little Tigers will have more balance in the passing game with a group of pass catchers that includes senior Will Xu, senior David Klinges, sophomore Ben Danis, and senior Jamyl Williams.

“They are all unique,” said Gargione. “Will is a little guy but he runs well and has good hands. Klinges is lankier and he also has good hands. I expect Danis to play bigger than a sophomore and play smart. Jamyl Williams is an athletic guy who can go up and get the ball. We will spread it out; there won’t be a go-to receiver like Eric Shorter who the defenses can key on.”

A key to PHS’s success this fall could be its strength in the trenches. “We have a lot of depth on the offensive line,” said Gargione.

“Jack Persico is a three-year starter at left tackle. It is good to have an experienced guy protecting the blind side. Cal O’Meara has size; he is athletic and competitive. We also have Matt Vieten, Colin Buckley, and Papakojo Kuranchie.”

That collection of talent should also bolster the defensive front, which will feature the same quintet of Persico, O’Meara, Vieten, Buckley, and Kuranchie. “The depth gives us the option to sub guys in and out,” said Gargione.

PHS has some good guys at linebacker as well. “Grant Schaefer and Ben Smallzman are inside,” said Gargione, noting that the Little Tigers will again utilize a 4-4 defensive scheme this fall. “Klinges and Carl Helstrom are outside. It is a good group.”

The secondary will feature a combination of the team’s running backs and receivers.

“Will Harrison and Javon will split time at safety,” said Gargione. “Will Xu and Jamyl will be the cornerbacks. Danis will switch between outside linebacker and defensive back.”

In Gargione’s view, the Little Tigers can’t beat themselves if they are to increase their win total.

“We need to play consistently all four quarters,” said Gargione. “We have had some mental letdowns in our scrimmages and we need to minimize those. Offensively, we need to reduce the number of errors. We can’t have things like offsides or holding penalties. We need to keep moving forward.”