Princeton sophomore running back Ty Smith catches a pass during the team’s Aug. 3 practice. Photo by David Wolman / C&S Media
By David Wolman
Princeton head football coach Daniel Johnson doesn’t consider himself to be a social media guy. But he understands how important those digital platforms are in society, especially if it’s to promote a brand or product.
That’s why he has made a priority to promote Princeton football, or the “P” brand that represents both the football team and Princeton ISD athletics in general on social media platforms, such as X, formerly Twitter.
Last week, coaches from the Princeton football team were interviewed and asked to provide an outlook on the position that they coach or a recap of the day’s practice.
Associate head coach/defensive coordinator Alex Guerra spoke about the outlook for Princeton’s defense on the first day of fall practice on Aug. 3. An interview of assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Joel Scott was posted to X on Aug. 4, defensive run game coordinator/defensive line coach Sam Wren on Aug. 5, run game coordinator/offensive line coach Matt Scott on Aug. 6 and secondary coach Efe Osawemwenze, who goes by “Coach O,” on Aug. 7.
The first players’ interview was posted on Saturday, with a video of Princeton’s three captains – Kaidon Williams, Braedon Chandler and Jayden Rogers – recapping the sixth day of practice.
“We’re trying to get the community and area to know the coaches, staff and players,” Johnson said. “We want to be as transparent about the program as possible. We’re trying to get Princeton on the map, to get the ‘P’ brand to mean something.”
Princeton gained a lot of attention last year for the success that the Panthers had during their 6-4 season, marking the first season with a winning record for the team since 2015.
Although Princeton has to replace several starters from that team, especially on offense, Johnson is optimistic that the Panthers, especially their newcomers, can quickly adjust to the speed of the varsity game and lead Princeton to another winning campaign on the gridiron.
The players haven’t been the only ones who have had to adjust.
Last week marked the first time that Johnson has conducted an official practice as Princeton’s head coach. He spent the previous three seasons as Princeton’s offensive coordinator, so he is now having to focus his attention on all three phases: offense, defense and special teams.
However, this isn’t Johnson’s first time as a head coach. He held previous jobs at Teague, Ben Bolt and Nueces Canyon and has 17 years of football coaching experience.
When asked if last week felt different, he replied, “Not really.”
One position that Princeton has had to fill is quarterback. The Panthers lost 24 starts, 6,497 passing yards and 71 total touchdowns with Marcus Flowers (graduation), but Johnson said that sophomore Ayden Hughes has picked up the nuances of the offense well.
Quarterbacks coach Stanton Holland and Hughes have been on the same page, Johnson said.
“Ayden has picked it up really well,” Johnson said. “He does make sophomore mistakes, but my job and that of Coach Holland is to work with him and work through those situations.”
Rogers, a wide receiver and the team’s lone returning starter on offense, has emerged as a vocal leader and has already been voted a team captain. Senior running back Samuel Musimbe has also demonstrated great leadership.
The Panthers’ offensive line of junior Ryan Hughes and Tannon Johnson has had bigger roles on the team, while sophomore Alijah Williams has transitioned well to the offensive side of the ball after previously playing at defensive line.
Defensively, junior linebacker Chandler has grown up physically and mentally.
Senior defensive lineman Williams has been “phenomenal”, as have sophomore Weston Smith and senior linebacker Austin Aparicio.
Princeton’s secondary of sophomore Thomas Kokolie, senior safety Brenin Painter and senior defensive back Bishop Carroll have stepped up.
With the number of new players for Princeton, Johnson decided to not have spring ball, opting for two scrimmages. The first scrimmage is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. at Wylie, with the second scrimmage to be held at Jackie Hendricks Stadium on Aug. 20. There will be four controlled segments of 10 plays each, followed by one live quarter.
“It’s going to be huge,” Johnson said. “We have a young quarterback and have players that need to get some experience playing together.”
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