Princeton High Football Advances to 2-1

Princeton High football is not only an improved team, it's a more resilient one.

Princeton put aside a blowout loss last week and a crucial turnover late in the second half to defeat West Windsor North 26-7 on Saturday.

"I do feel a difference with this team (as opposed to the one that finished 0-10 last season)," Princeton Coach Joe Gargione said. "It's the second time around for a lot of these kids. They are more comfortable out there. The game has slowed down for them and they understand more."

And Alex Mitko back in the lineup. Mitko broke his hand and was unavailable during the team's 41-0 loss to Burlington Township on Sept. 17.

Mitko started the season as the team's quarterback. With a cast on his hand, that was no longer a possible and Mitko was shifted to running back. He responded with 93 yards rushing, which included two touchdowns.

"We wanted to get him back out there," Gargione said. "When he runs, he runs hard."

Zack DiGregorio became the new quarterback. DiGregorio completed four of eight pass attempts for 165 yards and two touchdowns.

DiGregorio was helped out by having a great target in Eric Shorter, who caught all four of his passes. Shorter and DiGregorio combined for a 67-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. The duo also worked together for a 72-yard score in the fourth.

"We've had good receivers in the past, but he's just so explosive," Gargione said of Shorter. "He is a very talented receiver. When the ball is up in the air, he has the ability to come down with it. You expect him to come down with the ball. When you put that ball in the air, he can make something special happen."

Princeton used the big pass plays to negate a key fumble recovery by West Windsor North. That turnover limited Princeton's lead to just 14-7 at the half.

"We knew we probably should have been up by more," Gargione said. "A lot of momentum was gone. We needed a big play to spark us again. We got one."

Now Princeton is 2-1 as it prepares to host Hopewell on Saturday in a Homecoming game.

"Being 3-1 would be outstanding," Gargione said. "It will take a solid week of pracrice and preparation to get there.

"We're not at the level yet where we can say this will be a win. We're just not there yet."

Princeton is, however, at the point where it turned a 0-10 season to a 2-1 start. It is at the point where a few bad plays no longer feed more bad plays.

"It's a different team," Gargione said. "It's a new year."