PRINCETON, W.Va. — Princeton improved from 2-8 to 6-3 in 2020, earning a spot in the Class AAA playoffs. The rapid improvement in the win/loss total was a result of the foundation put down in the previous three seasons, so says head coach Chris Pedigo.
“When I came here four seasons ago, this is our fifth season now, it was a brick-by-brick approach,” Pedigo said. “We feel like we have a foundation now. Guys have bought into what we are doing. The weight room is taking off. Last season was a big season but that is behind us. We feel like we want to build on what we did and the successes that we had last year.”
The Tigers averaged just over 40 points per game last fall and they surpassed the 50-point mark in four consecutive games. The leader of that offense, junior Grant Cochran, is back for his third year as the starting quarterback. Cochran earned second team all-state honors after throwing for 2,320 yards and 27 touchdowns in 9 games.
“Grant Cochran, I think he is the best in the state. Some may say different. But he is really our leader,” said Princeton senior lineman Blake Helphenstine.
“His maturation is really going to have to continue,” Pedigo said. “He is going to have to put this football team on his shoulders and I think he will do that. And he is a great kid and kids listen to him.”
While Cochran returns, several of Princeton’s top skill position players have graduated. Thousand-yard rusher Amir Powell and prolific receivers Ethan Parsons and Josiah Honaker must be replaced.
“In the slot we have Carter Meachum back. We have Connor Padgett back. We have Grant obviously. And we have four or five running backs and they are all going to get an opportunity in camp,” Pedigo said.
The line that will go to work in front of Cochran will feature several familiar faces and returning starters.
“We have all five of those guys back. We’ll have three seniors. The offensive line really was a big turning point for us last year, being able to run the football. Amir had a lot of success in the backfield. And we have four or five running backs that are going to be running behind those guys. We feel like the run game is going to be an emphasis on what we do this year,” Pedigo said.
The Tigers climbed the Class AAA ladder a year ago into the top ten. And their goal this year is not just to stay in that group, but to be in the mix for loftier goals.
“Our goal is to protect our house. Our goal is to win on the road. Our goal is to host a home playoff game. Our goal is to win playoff games and obviously everybody’s goal is to win a state championship. That is all on the table right now. We just have to keep our head down and keep working and work towards those goals,” Pedigo said.