The Princeton Tigers''s recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Friday after their fifth straight loss. They took a 25-20 hit to the loss column at the hands of Pike Central. Princeton lost against Pike Central in their previous head to head back in August of 2017, too, but the margin this time around was much wider than the 29-28 score last time.
Despite the defeat, Princeton saw an underclassman step up: Karwin Pope rushed for 188 yards and a touchdown while picking up 11.1 yards per carry, and also picked up 45 receiving yards. Pope was no stranger to the big play, turning on the jets for a run that went for 68 yards.
Pike Central found their leader in underclassman Grant Boyd, who rushed for 160 yards and two touchdowns.
Princeton's loss was their third straight at home, which dropped their overall record down to 1-9. More embarrasing are the teams that make up that slump in performance: Pike Central, Mt. Vernon, and Boonville. As for Pike Central, their victory ended a 11-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 2-8.
Princeton does not have any more games scheduled as of now. Pike Central will head out on the road to face off against Vincennes Lincoln at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Vincennes Lincoln presents a significant challenge as they come into the match much higher ranked than Pike Central in Indiana (Vincennes Lincoln is ranked 61st, while Pike Central is ranked 265th).
