BREAKING THROUGH: Princeton High football player Evan Angelucci eludes a tackler in recent action. Junior running back Angelucci has emerged as a bright spot for PHS this fall. The Little Tigers, who moved to 0-3 with a 53-18 loss to Hightstown last Saturday, are next in action when they play at Lawrence High on September 28. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Having been outscored 75-0 in losing its first two games, the Princeton High football team reached into its bag of tricks as it hosted Hightstown last Saturday.

Looking to catch the Rams by surprise, PHS started the game with an onside kick. The gamble paid off as the Little Tigers recovered the ball and proceeded to march to the Hightstown five-yard-line.

But then things started to go awry as Hightstown recovered a fumble and then scored on a long touchdown run two plays later. That marked the beginning of a string of misfortunes for PHS which saw Hightstown break the game open by returning another fumble for a touchdown, taking a squibbed punt for paydirt, and then getting a fourth TD by recovering a bad snap in the end zone.

“You couldn’t write a movie script with that kind of bad luck,” lamented PHS head coach Charlie Gallagher, reflecting on the early barrage which set the tone as Hightstown rolled to a 53-18 win.

There was some consolation for the Little Tigers as they finally got into the end zone this fall with freshman quarterback Jake Renda finding junior receiver Tyler Komis for a 25-yard touchdown pass. PHS added to that with a touchdown run by Renda and a touchdown reception by junior star Isaac Webb on a pass from classmate Ryan Benattar.

“Without a doubt, it was good to get on the scoreboard,” said Gallagher.

While there is no doubt that the lopsided defeat to the Rams stung, Gallagher believes the program can lay the foundation for future success.

“Everybody was a little demoralized after a big blowout loss,” said Gallagher. “We had a conversation with the coaching staff and redefined who we are a little bit to make sure that we get back to basics. We have to develop guys. I think game plan-wise we are in good shape.”

Quarterback Renda along with junior running backs Evan Angelucci, Adam Rothstein, and Juan Shambi have the potential to develop into something special.

“The offense did a nice job, three different kids ran the ball for us on Saturday and we rushed pretty well,” said Gallagher.

“Jake had completions of 11, 26, 25, 30, and 22 yards. It is important to get him going. You have to start building confidence. The three running backs really helped us out. Jake knows now that he doesn’t have to do everything.

With no game this weekend, PHS will get some extra time to prepare its next game, a clash at Lawrence High (0-3) on the evening of September 28.

“We will watch a lot of game tape of Lawrence, I went and scouted them the other day,” said Gallagher.

“We will do some walk throughs. They are a big, physical team. Even though they played Steinert the other night and lost 25-7, it was a very physical game. I think we will be excited to play them on a Thursday night. It is a good rivalry game.”