Sprint football ends fifth consecutive winless season

Another disappointing season ended for the sprint football team Friday, as Penn (3-3) defeated the Tigers, 37-15, at Frelinghuysen Field, leaving Princeton (0-6) with yet another winless season.

The Tigers' loss was not without a silver lining, however, as their play in the second half showed a glimpse of what has the chance to become a solid team next year.

Unfortunately, the game was already decided by halftime, when the Quakers had built a commanding 30-7 lead. The poor play of the Tigers' special teams in the first half gave Penn strong field position on almost every possession, leaving the defense little chance for a stop.

Junior quarterback Dennis Bakke acknowledged the difficulties Princeton faced in the first half.

"We really had trouble moving the ball," Bakke said.

Bakke's pass to junior receiver Cleland Welton scored Princeton's only touchdown of the half.

Something must have clicked for Princeton in the second half, as it had what junior tailback Matt Worley called "the best half of football we've played since I've been here, in all aspects of the game." Worley led the Tigers in rushing, receiving and tackles, with 141 total yards and 17 tackles.

Worley helped hold Penn scoreless in the third quarter, as Princeton's defense, often a liability, stepped up its game to a new level and allowed only seven points in the second half. Junior linebacker Taylor Bright pitched in with 11 tackles, as a concerted team effort showcased the improvements made in areas where the Tigers were sorely lacking in the first half.

A fourth-quarter drive by Princeton was one of the highlights of the season for the team. It went 75 yards, culminating in a touchdown pass from Bakke to junior wide receiver Adam Farren and a successful two-point conversion. The drive was an example of how much the team has improved in a season marked by uncertainty and failure, including being shut out by Penn earlier in the year.

Following the 75-yard drive, the Tigers successfully recovered an onside kick, but at that point it was too late, and the team could only reflect on what could have been.

Despite ending the season with no victories, the players agree that the program is progressing.

"We definitely got better this season," Bakke said, "although you can't always tell by the scores."

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From the beginning of the season, many players were forced to play unfamiliar positions because of the small size of the team. As the season has progressed and each person's role has become clear, more and better plays have developed, and the team has shown steady improvement.

For a team losing only four seniors to graduation, Bakke is "cautiously optimistic" about next year's chances. In addition to casual practice by individuals, the team will have spring practice for one week next semester before it returns to action late next summer.

The key to snapping Princeton's multi-season losing streak will be in a strong freshman class. The team does not recruit and so is forced to rely on those freshmen who come out for the team on their own.

"It would be great to get another solid freshman class like we have the past two years," Worley said. "With most of our starters returning, I'm pretty excited for next year."

However, the loss of their senior leadership should not be underestimated. Though the four departing seniors have not exactly overseen the rise of a dominant program, they have been invaluable in helping the team learn and grow this year, and they will be missed.

It is hard to have confidence in a team that has yet to win a game this millennium, but there is reason to hope. Despite closing the season with another loss, opposing teams should watch out for the Tigers next year.