Princeton University Athletics
Army 48, Princeton 7
August 17, 1999 | Sprint Football
The statistics seldom lie in sports, but also rarely tell the entire story. Such is the case for the Princeton sprint football team and their 48-7 loss to Army this past Friday in West Point, N.Y. The numbers show that the Cadets nearly quintupled the offensive output of the Tigers on the evening, but at the same time they do not reveal the frustration that Princeton gave Army during the first half of the game. The history books will record a 15th straight loss for the Tigers, forgetting the point that this was a competitive contest.
Princeton (0-3, 0-1 CSFL) came into Friday's matchup knowing that the Cadets (3-0, 1-0 CSFL) were one of the most talented and deepest teams in the country. Well prepared for the immense challenge before them, the Tigers came out with focus and determination during the first half of play.
"I was really impressed with how much emotion we had going into the game," head coach Bob DePipi said. "I think it helped us to challenge them throughout the first half."
On the board
Early on in the game, Army was able to move the ball effectively on the ground, but failed to put points on the board. The Princeton defense came up with several key defensive plays during this period to help keep the score even. Nevertheless, Army finally found the endzone late in the first quarter as running back David Smith scored on a five-yard run. The Cadets added another touchdown just minutes later to increase the lead to 14-0.
Despite falling behind, the Tigers succeeded in shutting down the Army offense during the remainder of the first half. Behind the play of senior defensive back Andy Parker, who recorded 14 tackles, and senior linebacker Mike Pagnotto, who added another seven, Princeton held the Cadets scoreless throughout the second quarter.
"We really battled against them in the second quarter," DePipi said. "I think the defense did a great job of making big plays at the right times."
With time winding down in the first half, the Tigers' special teams succeeded in putting Princeton on the scoreboard. After blocking an Army field goal attempt on the half's final play, sophomore defensive lineman Ki Moon scooped up the ball and returned it 62 yards for a touchdown.
'Momentum swinger'
"The field goal block was a big momentum swinger for us," DePipi said. "We went to the locker room with the thought that we could possibly sneak out a win."
This momentum carried directly into the beginning of the second half, as the Tigers stopped the Cadets on their opening drive. Princeton then looked to the offense to keep the momentum rolling. Instead, the Tigers' hopes were crushed as junior quarterback Joe Andolina's pass was intercepted and returned for a touchdown. Army would later add another four scores, aided by two Princeton fumbles and another two interceptions.
"The turnovers really hurt us in the second half," DePipi said. "You can't expect to hang in there with a team as good as Army if you don't hold on to the ball."
Overall, the offense struggled markedly throughout the game, as the Tigers finished with only 91 total yards as compared to 432 yards for the Cadets. Without the services of sophomore starting running back Geoff Gasperini, Princeton managed for the evening only five first downs and 56 yards on the ground.
"We'll have to move the ball better on offense if we expect to be competitive for the remainder of the season," DePipi said.
The Tigers now have two weeks to reflect on their performance, as they prepare for a showdown with Navy at Weaver Stadium on October 30. The Midshipmen suffered an equally lopsided 44-7 loss to Army a few weeks ago, but the team is careful not to underestimate its opponent.
"Sure Navy lost to Army, but they will definitely be an extremely tough opponent for us," DePipi said. "I think the squad knows that they will have to prepare mentally and physically in order to have a shot at winning."
The Tigers have had their shots over the past few games, and now they hope to convert for the first time in nearly three seasons.