Sprint Football falls to Chestnut Hill in season opener

A road trip to nearby Chestnut Hill College ended in disappointment for the men of sprint football, as the Tigers fell to the Griffins by a score of 48-13. The game marked the first ever contest for Princeton’s opponents, a program new to the Collegiate Sprint Football League, while the loss marked the 16thstraight season-opening loss for the Orange and Black.

Starting at quarterback, junior Chad Cowden completed 11 of his 23 attempts for 163 yards and one touchdown while rushing18 times for a net gain of 20 yards. The Maryland native additionally recorded three interceptions and was sacked four times.

Sophomore running back/defensive back – most players on Princeton’s roster play on offense and defense – Harvey Butler added 25 net yards rushing on 10 attempts.

Cowden’s favorite target was sophomore Tyler Kaye, who additionally handles punting duties for the Tigers. The second year receiver scored Princeton’s first touchdown, a 32 yard reception, just inside the first quarter’s final minute.

While Kaye’s seven points (he also converted the extra point) cut the Griffins’ lead to a single score, the contest’s remainder would not go in the Tigers’ favor. Princeton’s longest, in terms of time of possession, drive of the game ended with a failed fourth down conversion in the red zone. Meanwhile, Chestnut Hill scored 34 unanswered points before Princeton senior John Su stemmed the tide with a one yard reception from freshman backup quarterback Matt Martinez.

Two of the Griffins’ scores came on explosive plays: the first a 58 yard pass completed with 25 seconds remaining in the first half; the second a 41 yard run within 90 seconds of the second half’s kickoff.

Princeton’s next competition falls onFriday, September 25thagainst Army, a team whom the Tigers have struggled mightily against of late. With kickoff scheduled for7:00 p.m., the game will be held under the lights at Princeton Stadium and broadcast for subscribers to the Ivy League Digital Network.