AVIS TRYING HARD: Princeton High football player Stephen Avis heads upfield last Saturday as PHS hosted Pemberton High in its home opener. The Tigers were unable to get their offense going as Pemberton pulled away to a 53-0 win. PHS, now 0-2, plays at Hamilton West (1-1) on September 28. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Coming into this fall, Charlie Gallagher was looking for his Princeton High football team to be more competitive.

Hosting Pemberton in its home opener last Saturday, PHS hung tough in the early going, trailing only 6-0 at the end of the first quarter.

But the roof fell in on the Tigers over the next 12 minutes of action as the Hornets tallied 21 unanswered points and never looked back on the way to a 53-0 win.

PHS head coach Gallagher acknowledged that his squad failed to develop a rhythm against the Hornets.

“I didn’t like the way our offense started; our offense is really struggling,” said Gallagher, whose team dropped to 0-2 with the defeat. “Until we get some first downs, we are going to struggle.”

After a 49-8 opening night loss at Hightstown on September 13, Gallagher was looking for PHS to make some progress from the first game but he conceded that didn’t happen.

“I don’t think so, we got shut out and we lost by over 50, I would be reaching at straws,” said Gallagher, when asked if the Tigers showed improvement in week two.

“We have got to practice better. I am just disappointed for Princeton, we are not doing what we are supposed to be doing. It is a little frustrating.”

Despite the frustrating start, Gallagher believes that his players still have a fighting spirit. 

“I think they are keeping their heads up,” said Gallagher.

“I could use a lot of excuses but Pemberton could use the same excuses. It is hot here and a lot of guys went both ways. It is what it is.”

With PHS playing at Hamilton West (1-1) on September 28, Gallagher vows that the Tigers will take a step forward.

“We will find a way to get better,” said Gallagher. “It is going to be a tough game. We will take a look at those guys and see what they have to offer. We will prepare for those guys.”