By Randy Capps
Following the Princeton football team last season was a little like riding the Carolina Cyclone at Carowinds — lots of changes in momentum with a few stomach-flipping moments during the ride.
The Bulldogs got out the gate with a 3-1 start, including a heartstopping 48-46 win at North Johnston, before allowing 122 points in a pair of Swine Valley 2A/3A losses to Midway and Wallace-Rose Hill.
Coach Travis Gaster’s squad then won four of the next five, before finishing 7-5 after a second-round playoff loss at Pasquotank.
There’s an old saying in football that goes, “the best thing about freshmen and sophomores is that someday they’ll be juniors and seniors.” With all but five players returning from last season’s roster — including 15 starters — Princeton is suddenly one of the most experienced teams around.
“Lots of hours have been invested in the weightroom on increasing explosive strength and speed,” Gaster said. “A tough schedule will test the program week in and week out. Player-led teams are always the best teams. If a few leaders take hold of this team, (we) could make some noise in 2026.”
The player most likely to lead that effort is junior Teo McPhatter. He continued his assault on the school record book last season with 2,783 yards of total offense and 46 touchdowns. He was also third on the team in tackles with 41 to go along with a team-high five interceptions.
“Not only does he do it all, but he does it all at an elite level,” Gaster said. “He’s added 25 pounds of muscle to his frame since last year.”
Senior Taylor Parrish (99 carries, 467 yards and 10 touchdowns) and junior Gerell Bogle (62 carries 725 yards and eight touchdowns) add punch to the Princeton ground attack. Seniors Noah Winstead and Thomas Ward and juniors Riley Misenis and Chase Barbour provide punch and experience to the offensive line — a unit that usually provides the best indicator as to how successful the Bulldogs ground-and-pound offense will be.
While the offense averaged 41 points per night last season, the defense gave them up at almost the same rate (38.5).
Senior Chandler Jackson is back as the team’s leading tackler (51), while fellow linebacker, junior Jarrett Lee (48) is back as well. Senior Devyne Maxwell (26 tackles) joins McPhatter in the secondary for a unit that should be improved this season.
We’ll start finding out what kind of ride the 2026 Bulldogs are destined to take on Aug. 21 when they visit Ayden-Grifton.
