One team has lost 35 straight games. The other is a perennial College Sprint Football League powerhouse. So when Princeton faces Army (0-1 overall, 0-0 CSFL) in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., in the inaugural Adirondack Trust Allegiance Bowl on Sunday, the Tigers (0-0) will have visions of David and Goliath dancing in their heads.
"We had a good week of practice following the alumni game, made some personnel adjustments to get our best players in the most crucial spots, and our offense has been executing well in practice," sophomore quarterback Alex Kandabarow said.
Princeton does not have history on its side, though. In last season's lone meeting with the Black Knights, the Tigers failed to record a point in a 35-0 loss. Princeton has lost 15 straight games to Army, in fact.
But this weekend will also be an important test for the Black Knights, as they hope to gauge where they stand in the league as they rebound from a 32-31 loss to Sacred Heart's junior varsity football team.
In the loss, senior Braden Amigo, Army's dangerously quick quarterback, showcased his talents, scoring two rushing touchdowns.
"They run the triple option very well," Kandabarow said. "[Amigo] is a good athlete who can do it well."
Last season, Amigo led the Black Knights in total offense. In addition to leading the team with 580 rushing yards, he threw for eight touchdowns and 632 total yards. One of his longest runs of the year was a 94-yard burst against Princeton.
The Tigers, however, are prepared to contain Amigo. The offensive scout team has been running countless options this week in practice. Look for junior linebacker Jesse Riedel to record numerous tackles this weekend, as he is charged with putting big hits on Amigo.
Unfortunately for Princeton, Amigo is not Army's lone threat. The team also returns its top four rushers from last season, as well as its primary deep threat. Senior running back Patrick Hall led the team last year with 236 yards on the ground and four touchdowns. This double threat also caught seven balls for 180 yards and two more scores in the process. Last weekend against Sacred Heart, Hall led the Black Knights in rushing with 62 yards.
Junior Army receiver Derek Brown will also look to stretch Princeton's defense down the field. Last season, Brown averaged 41.3 yards per reception and found the end zone three times.
Offensively, Kandabarow and the first-team offense have been watching film as they try to find ways to exploit the Black Knight defense.
"They give a four-deep secondary look," Kandabarow said. "We have designed our passing game around that this week. We just change the routes slightly to account for where the holes in the defense are."
Not only can the Tigers exploit this defense through the air, but they also hope to be able to run the ball effectively because there will only be seven defenders in the box. This, coupled with the fact that junior Andy Lapetina was moved this week from fullback to offensive guard due to his physical play, will open up gaps for Princeton's running game.
While the offense and the defense are sufficiently prepared for Saturday's contest, the kicking game will most likely suffer due to an ankle injury that has sidelined veteran place kicker and punter junior Neil Swami.
Above all, Princeton will have to play a near-perfect game in order to knock off Army.
"It is imperative that we have seamless execution [Saturday]," Kandabarow said. "We cannot afford unnecessary penalties, dropped balls or missed blocks."
Confidence abounds as the 74th season of Princeton sprint football commences — a feeling that has not been in the air in recent years.
"We definitely feel like this is a team we can beat," Kandabarow said. "I have the highest expectations for our team. A win is definitely feasible."
Read More
Preview: No. 3 men’s lacrosse plays No. 5 Syracuse in NCAA quarterfinals
Hayk YengibaryanShould the Tigers beat the Orange, they will advance to the Final Four for the first time since 2022 as they look to win their first national championship since 2001.
Should the Tigers beat the Orange, they will advance to the Final Four for the first time since 2022 as they look to win their first national championship since 2001.
Six for six: men’s and women’s track and field both complete triple crown
Luke StocklessMen’s and women’s track and field each won the Ivy League title this past weekend, capping off a dominant season in which both teams won the triple crown — a feat not seen in 14 years.
Men’s and women’s track and field each won the Ivy League title this past weekend, capping off a dominant season in which both teams won the triple crown — a feat not seen in 14 years.
Nation’s No. 2 miler Mena Scatchard ’25 to transfer to Stanford for graduate year
Luke StocklessThe Tigers’ most decorated distance runner ever has decided to use her final year of eligibility at Stanford after graduating from Princeton this May.
The Tigers’ most decorated distance runner ever has decided to use her final year of eligibility at Stanford after graduating from Princeton this May.