Princeton senior running back Sammy Musimbe (0) attempts to run past a Walnut Grove defender on Friday at Children’s Health Stadium. Photo by Tina Lopez / C&S Media
By Brett Bender
PROSPER — Princeton struggled to find consistency on both sides of the ball Friday night as the Panthers fell 49-14 to Prosper Walnut Grove despite a pair of touchdown drives led by sophomore quarterback Ayden Hughes.
Princeton got off to a slow start, punting on its opening possession before turning the ball over on downs near midfield on its second drive.
Facing an early deficit, the Panthers shifted to a pass-heavy attack, with 185 of their 227 total yards coming through the air. However, Walnut Grove’s defensive front generated enough pressure to keep Princeton from establishing an offensive rhythm.
Defensively, the Panthers struggled to contain the Wildcats’ up-tempo passing attack, particularly on screens and quick throws toward the sidelines.
Walnut Grove capitalized on Princeton’s early offensive struggles to build a 14-0 lead by the end of the first quarter.
The Panthers continued searching for answers in the second quarter, turning the ball over on downs near midfield for a second time as Hughes faced consistent pressure from the Wildcats’ defensive front.
Walnut Grove extended its lead midway through the quarter when quarterback Ashton Gosselin connected with Landon Dean for a long touchdown pass, putting Princeton in a 21-0 hole.
Princeton responded with its strongest drive of the half.
Hughes helped move the Panthers downfield, including a scramble that brought Princeton to the Wildcats’ 1-yard line. Running back Sammy Musimbe capped the possession with a touchdown run, cutting the deficit to 21-7.
Looking to build on that momentum, Princeton attempted a surprise onside kick and initially recovered the ball. However, an offside penalty negated the recovery, and the ensuing kickoff went out of bounds, giving Walnut Grove favorable field position.
The Panthers’ defense held firm to close the half, forcing a turnover on downs.
Princeton attempted another surprise onside kick to open the second half, but Walnut Grove recovered and added to its lead.
Daveion Brown added a rushing touchdown for Princeton in the second half.
Hughes completed 18 of 28 passes for 185 yards and two interceptions.
Brown led the Panthers with four receptions for 70 yards, while Musimbe added 33 rushing yards and a touchdown.
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