 (Photo by Bill Allen/NJ SportAction) BREAKING THROUGH: Princeton High senior running back Alexz Henriques eludes two tacklers in recent action. Last Saturday, Henriques rushed for 228 yards and a touchdown and also returned a kickoff 85 yards for a score as PHS topped Hopewell Valley 24-9 to get into the win column for the first time this fall. The Little Tigers, now 1-4, will look to keep on the winning track when they play at Ewing this Friday night. |
Things didn't start too well this season for Princeton High junior football player Doug Borchert.
The linebacker/running back suffered a knee injury in the preseason and was sidelined for PHS' season opener against Steinert.
Borchert chafed on the bench as the Little Tigers started their season on a down note, falling to Steinert 20-0.
The 6'1, 190-pound Borchert returned to action a week later but has been frustrated as PHS kept losing, falling to 0-4 and getting outscored a total of 94-27 in their last three outings.
Last Saturday, Borchert was determined to get fall going in the right direction as PHS played at winless Hopewell Valley.
Starring on both sides of the ball with 45 yards rushing and a touchdown to go with several big hits at linebacker, Borchert helped spark PHS to a 24-9 win over the Bulldogs.
A grinning Borchert savored the total team effort PHS produced in finally making it into the winning column this fall.
"It's about time," said Borchert. "We haven't been able to put together four quarters yet and we did that today. The offensive line played really well; there was good blocking, good running, and good defense."
Borchert was at his best early in the third quarter as PHS looked to extend its 17-7 halftime lead. After HoVal recovered the opening kickoff of the second half to start possession at the PHS 22, Borchert came on a blitz and forced a fumble that was recovered by teammate Peter Murphy.
Assuming his running back role, Borchert gained some tough yardage inside the red zone after a 55-yard scamper by Alexz Henriques had put PHS deep in Bulldog territory. The drive ended with Borchert rumbling in from the four for a touchdown as PHS built its cushion to 24-7.
For Borchert, making it into the end zone was the icing on the cake. "I didn't get in much on offense last year," said Borchert who also played some tight end last Saturday. "Whenever I do get in on offense I just try to help out as much as I can. It's always good to get a score."
In Borchert's view, just being back on the field is something to savor. "It was hard to sit out because I saw my team struggling," recalled Borchert. "I tried to keep them motivated from the sidelines. It feels really good to be back; I'm 100 percent."
PHS head coach Steve Everette is thrilled to have Borchert back in the lineup. "I'll tell you what, in that first game against Steinert I missed him so much," said Everette.
"When he came back the next week, on the very first play he is in he causes a fumble. He's the heart and soul of this team and that kind of spread out over the entire team. Even as a junior, he's one of our leaders. It's nice having him back and having him healthy to make plays."
PHS' biggest playmaker in the win over HoVal was the elusive senior running back Henriques, who darted for 228 yards rushing and two touchdowns. His most spectacular play came in the second quarter when he took a kickoff and raced down the sideline for an 85-yard touchdown.
"Two years ago, the kid had his coming out party here; we knew he was going to be a special player then," said Everette.
"The first week of the season was rough for him but I think every week since then he has put up 100 yards. He just does a great job of seeing the holes and cutting back. He's a special, special football player and I take no credit for what he does."
PHS got a special effort from its developing offensive line. "This was probably their best effort," said Everette referring to his O-line.
"We have two sophomores starting (Tom Hines and Joe Giacalone). They are just two kids who love to compete. We've thrown them to the wolves; last week they both started against Notre Dame. They've seen the biggest of the big and for them it will get better week by week."
Everette is hoping his team collectively will make similar progress. "We have this five-week stretch on the road," said Everette, whose team plays at 2-3 Ewing this Friday night.
"We've dubbed it the 'trail of tears,' hopefully we won't be the ones with the tears, we're hoping to deal out some losses. We're just working on getting better every week; we don't like being 1-4."
Borchert, for his part, is going to get them ready for the challenges ahead. "I try to get them motivated; I try to get them pumped up every day before the games and every practice," asserted Borchert. "We can't come out flat; we can't score 50 points so we need to come out strong every quarter."
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