PRINCETON, CA (MPG) – After a year’s absence, the Princeton Eagles football team returns to the field tonight when they host Hayfork in their only preseason contest.
With an enrollment hovering around 50 students, Princeton, who competes in the 8-Man Division II California League, was unable to field a team last season, but this year has 10 players eager to continue the Eagles’ long-standing tradition.
Leading the way for Princeton will be its two most experienced players, seniors Corwyn Roberson and Alexander Taylor.
Roberson, who last played as a sophomore in the 2021-2022 season, when he led the team in receiving, averaging 51.7 yards per game, takes on more of a leadership role this year and will split time at quarterback.
For his part, Taylor, who also played as a sophomore, will captain the line.
Making their debut in 2023 are a trio of juniors, including Brock Heater, Chris Rendon, and Chris Roberson who will be part of the rotation at the skill positions.
At the helm of the Eagles’ squad is longtime coach, Bryan Lex, who indicated that fielding a team is getting more difficult in small schools all across the North State.
“We’re fighting for numbers just like everyone else,” said Lex, now in his 17th season, with an overall record of 108-71. “Being out last year also made it hard because we had nothing to draw on, but we’re going to give it a go. We have some athletes, although we have to stay healthy.”
Princeton finished the 2021 season averaging 362.9 yards of total offense and posting wins over Butte Valley, Hayfork, Westwood, and Dunsmuir, but did not have an answer for Big Valley.
This season, in addition to those teams, the Eagles will also face Herlong and Happy Camp as part of their eight-game schedule.
