Princeton senior Ky’len Hampton (30) attempts to run past a Prosper Rock Hill defender on Friday. Photo by Victor Tapia / C&S Media
By David Wolman
Princeton was held to 167 total yards and committed two turnovers in a 50-0 loss at Jackie Hendricks Stadium on Friday night.
The Panthers had their chances but high snaps on punts, penalties on offense and a prolific aerial attack by the Blue Hawks proved too much for Princeton (2-7 overall, 0-6 District 6-6A) to overcome.
After Princeton’s defense forced a turnover on downs after a Rock Hill wide receiver dropped a pass on a fourth-down play, the Panthers were force into a quick 3-and-out of their own.
The momentum proceeded to swing in the Blue Hawks’ direction.
Senior punter Paxton Bruns was forced to retreat several yards back after the snap went over his hands. Bruns recovered and threw a pass while being contacted by a Rock Hill defender. The pass was caught by senior lineman Brenden Sich. However, because a Panther offensive lineman caught the ball, Princeton was issued a penalty for illegal touching, and that gave the Blue Hawks a short field to work with.
Rock Hill (5-4, 3-3) capitalized on the field position. Four plays into the drive, junior running back Michael Alfred-Imayu burst 25 yards for the game’s initial touchdown and a 7-0 Blue Hawks lead with 7:07 remaining in the first quarter.
More special teams issues plagued Princeton. Another snap went over the head of Bruns on his next punt attempt and the ball rolled out of the end zone, resulting in a safety and a 9-0 Rock Hill lead.
Rock Hill got the ball back after the free kick and used another explosive play to add to its lead. Senior wide receiver Leo Williams got a step on a Princeton defender and caught a pass from junior quarterback Austin Farris that ended with a 45-yard touchdown reception and a 16-0 Blue Hawks lead.
Princeton turned to its aerial attack to attempt to get back into the game. The Panthers’ next possession saw them cross midfield after a toss to sophomore running back Daiveon Brown. Princeton advanced the ball to the Rock Hill 21-yard line on the final play of the opening quarter on a pass from sophomore quarterback Ayden Hughes to senior tight end Jaden Brandon.
Hughes finished 17-of-27 for 117 yards. His favorite target was senior wide receiver Jaden Rogers, who caught seven passes for 64 yards.
But just when it appeared that Princeton was going to score, a holding penalty stalled the drive. The Panthers were backed into fourth-and-17 and were forced to turn the ball over on downs after a running play was stoped well short of the line to gain.
Things proceeded to get worse for Princeton.
On the very next play, Farris connected with Williams on a 75-yard touchdown pass for a commanding 23-0 Rock Hill lead..
Williams finished the night with three touchdown receptions.
Rock Hill’s defense also chipped in. Junior Christian Harris grabbed a batted ball that was in the air and returned the interception 41 yards for a touchdown and a 30-0 Blue Hawks lead with 9:28 remaining until halftime.
The Blue Hawks’ defense pitched a shutout for the second time this season, and they were particularly stout against the run, holding the Panthers to 50 yards rushing on 27 attempts.
Princeton’s defense received a standout performance from senior Sammy Musimbe, who finished with 10 tackles and one sack. Senior defense back Brenin Painter had one interception.
The Panthers will close out the season this Friday against Prosper (8-1, 5-1). Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Children’s Health Stadium.
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