Published: October 09, 2009 11:40 am      

Tigers claim first victory

PRINCETON — The Princeton Tigers battered the Graham G-Men 26-14 on Oct. 2 at Hunnicutt Stadium to record their first win of the season.

The start of the game was disastrous for the Tigers, but soon, their despair turned into elation. Graham kicked off, and the Tigers fumbled the ball, giving the G-Men possession on the Princeton 29-yard stripe. Graham’s talented quarterback Dave Marrs hit halfback Tanner Howell with a pass that moved the ball to the Tiger four-yard stripe.

At this point, the Princeton defense, particularly the line, stepped up. Sophomore defensive end Corey Quick slammed Marrs to the ground for a two-yard loss. The G-Men’s next two thrusts into the line netted only three yards, to place the ball on the three-yard marker. Graham opted to forego a field goal attempt and again tested the Tiger front. Princeton met the challenge tossing Graham back for a yard loss and took possession of the ball at the four-yard line.

With excellent blocking, the Tigers proceeded to move on the ground for a touchdown in eight plays. The key plays on the 96-yard drive were a sensational 31-yard scamper by quarterback Jerrell Powell that moved the ball to the Princeton 48-yard line and the touchdown run. Three plays later fullback Cameron Mallory shook off a tackler at the line of scrimmage and romped 45 yards to pay dirt. The subsequent conversion kick failed.

The Tigers’ first defensive and offensive series set the tone for the game. They dominated in the trenches on both sides of the ball.

Princeton’s defense not only had the early critical goal stand, but held Graham to 230 yards of total offense. The line backing corps of Jonathan Barnett, Mallory, and Tanner Gorse turned in strong performances. Barnett had an interception. Defensive tackle Vernon Campbell had a key fumble recovery while defensive end Corey Quick recorded a timely sack.

On offense, the Tiger’s line punched out frequent holes in the Graham defense that enabled Princeton’s runners to amass a season high of 278 yards on the ground. Tevin Allen combined speed and power to generate gains totaling 137 yards on 25 carriers. Jerrell “Quicksilver” Powell scooted for 70 yards on eight attempts. Mallory gained 50 yards on only three carries. The blockers up front included Colt Karnes, Jarred Cook, Zach Barker, Jody Bailey, Shawn Rivera, Tony Jones, Jody Blankenship, Quick, and Campbell.

Graham responded to the Princeton touchdown with a score. With the ball on the Princeton 48-yard marker with fourth and eight yards to go, the G-Men successfully executed a fake punt and a completed pass from Marrs to receiver Torren Byrd. The play covered 27 yards and put the ball on the hosts’19 yard-line. Graham scored in three plays with Marrs tallying the touchdown on a three-yard run. The point after touchdown was good and Graham took the lead 7-6 with 0.32 remaining in the first quarter.

Midway of the second quarter, Princeton initiated a five-play 54-yard touchdown drive. Allen had a dazzling 30-yard run to set up the score. Dalton Christian tallied on a five-yard toss from Powell. Travis Tabor’s extra point gave the Tigers a 13-7 advantage. That lead would not last long.

The G-Men countered with a 10-play 66-yard touchdown march just before the end of the half. Marrs’ 30-yard scamper set up the score. Marrs hit Byrd with a pass from the 10- yard marker for the touchdown. The extra point was good and the G-Men went to the locker room with a 14-13 advantage.

The Tigers dominated the second half. In fact, Graham crossed midfield only once in the last two quarters. Princeton’s coaching staff attributed much of the team’s dominance at this time to their conditioning program.

To open the second half, Princeton kicked off. Graham returned the ball to their 37-yard stripe. Three plays netted only three yards. Faced with a fourth and seven yards to go at their 40-yard, Graham again tried a fake punt. The Tigers were not fooled by this maneuver a second time as they stuffed the play and took over at the G-Men 42-yard line.

Princeton proceeded to march for a touchdown in eight plays. The big gainer on the drive was a Powell to Mallory pass that picked up 16 yards. Allen smashed over the goal line from four yards out. A two-point conversion attempt failed. The Tigers assumed a 19-14 lead with 6:58 remaining in the third quarter.

The Tigers forced Graham to punt, and Princeton gained possession of the ball at their 44-yard stripe. The Tigers marched downfield to the G-Men 16-yard line. The drive fizzled and Graham took the ball on downs at their 25-yard line.

Marrs dashed 36 yards to the Tiger 39-yard line. Two plays later, Princeton recovered a fumble to thwart the G-Men thrust at their 25-yard line.

Princeton moved the ball down to the Graham 38-yard marker before they were forced to punt. Mallory nailed a beautiful coffin-corner kick that placed the ball on the G-Men three-yard line.

In desperation, Marrs threw four consecutive passes-all incomplete. As a result of Graham’s aerial futility, the Tigers had the ball on the opponents’ three-yard marker. On the third play of the possession, Powell crashed over the goal line from the one-yard marker. Tabor converted the extra point. With only 40 seconds on the clock, Princeton led by the final score of 26-14.

For the Tigers and their fans, this win was a well-deserved victory. The coaching staff was pleased with the determination and resiliency the team exhibited after the shaky start.

The players were elated.



Hunnicutt Stadium October 2, 2009



Princeton........6 7 6 7-26

Graham……...7 7 0 0-14



First Quarter

Princeton-Cameron Mallory 45 run (kick failed) 4:10

Graham-----David Marrs 3 run (David Pelts kick) 0:32

Second Quarter

Princeton----Dalton Christian 5 pass from Jerrell Powell (Travis Tabor kick) 3:32

Graham------Torren Byrd 11 pass from Marrs (Pelts kick) 0:17

Third Quarter

Princeton----Tevin Allen 4 run (two-point conversion attempt failed) 6:58

Fourth Quarter

Princeton-----Powell 1 run (Tabor Kick) 0:46