Published: September 04, 2008 08:17 pm      

School spirit shows as Princeton kicks off football season

PRINCETON — Stoking school spirit and getting football season off to a good start are on the minds of Princeton Senior High School’s student body today as the Princeton Tigers face off against the Bluefield Beavers.

While the Beavers have already played one game, the Tigers are kicking off their season with tonight’s contest at Mitchell Stadium. Besides being against a major rival, the game is important for the Tigers’ overall season, said wide receiver Brandon Lafferty.

“We really want to start out on a good note and it could set the pace for our season,” he said.

“Our coaches are working ridiculously hard to get ready,” added defensive end Bryan Staten, adding that practices have been especially intense.

The Bluefield game has been on the team’s collective mind since August, said quarterback Austin Harris. “It just bumps the stakes up even more,” he stated.

“It’s always exciting Friday nights,” said lineman Seth Angell. Fellow students have been asking him and his teammates whether the school has a good team this year.

“I just tell them we’re going to go out there and play our hardest,” Angell said.

While the players are striving on the field, the band, dance team, cheerleaders and crowd will be lending their support. Supporters were putting the finishing touches on their routines.

“We’ve been at practice every day making up cheers, and we’re hoping for a good turnout,” said cheerleader Morgan Stadvec. Everything from posters to a pep rally have been organized to get the student body motivated, added cheerleader Leia Howell.

“I’m really proud of them. They’ve been working really hard,” cheerleader Clarisse Davis said of the team. “I know we’re going to do good on Friday and have a really good season.”

— Contact Greg Jordan at

gjordan@bdtonline.com