By Michael Kelley ’14
Photos by Kate Cherney ’15/ The Lafayette
262 yards rushing and 21 third quarter points highlighted a dominating 35-14 victory for Princeton (2-2) against Lafayette (3-2) this evening. After a defensive deadlock in the first half, Princeton blew the game open in the third quarter, and at one point led by 29.
Ranked second in the nation in turnover differential at +2.2 per game, the Lafayette defense forced zero turnovers and repeatedly allowed big gains.
“They kicked our tail,” Head Coach Frank Tavani said following the game. “That’s the most basic I can put it. I’ve been doing this for 36 years, 26 here, and the last 13 being in charge, and that’s as frustrating as its been in total lack of execution.”
For the second time this season, quarterback Andrew Shoop ‘13 did not play. Shoop sustained a concussion in last week’s 31-28 loss against Robert Morris University and is awaiting reevaluation on Monday.
Filling his place once again was sophomore Zach Zweizig, who completed 17 of 29 pass attempts for 194 yards and two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown.
Suffering from a stress fracture in his foot, Zweizig had not practiced prior to Tuesday. But after learning that Shoop was out, he was forced to make a hurried return to the lineup.
Also absent for Lafayette were two linebackers, juniors Ben Aloi andKasheem Hill. Aloi tore his ACL in practice last Sunday and is out for the remainder of the season while Hill was suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules.
In addition to Shoop, Hill is the second Lafayette starter to be suspended this season.
“It’s very frustrating,” Tavani said. “The decisions that some of these young people are making makes no sense to me. When I had to suspend Kasheem, that really threw our defense into personnel changes and created a challenge.”
Co-captain Rick Lyster ‘13 insisted the suspension played a minimal role in tonight’s blowout loss.
“It effects you for a little bit,” Lyster said. “But you can’t change what happens. You can’t dwell on it. The next man in has to play.”
For almost two full quarters, Lafayette and Princeton traded punts before Princeton drove 86 yards to score with 53 seconds remaining in the first half. A fake on the point after attempt was successful and Princeton led 8-0 entering the locker room for halftime.
The defensive battle continued in the second half until Princeton linebacker Andrew Starks ‘13 intercepted Zweizig on a quick out route. Two minutes later, Princeton quarterback Quinn Epperly ‘15 faked a handoff and ran 23 yards for a touchdown.
“Running the ball had to be an emphasis,” Princeton Head Coach Bob Surace said. “Those [Lafayette] defensive backs were my biggest worry because they’re all over the ball.”
On the ensuing drive, Princeton’s Phillip Bhaya ‘14 intercepted Zweizig and returned it 32 yards for the score.
Princeton ended the third quarter with a 34-yard rushing touchdown.
Running back Ross Scheuerman ‘15 (11 carries, 125 yards) ran 65 yards for a touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter to put Lafayette on the board. For the Lafayette ground game, the run was a blast of fresh air after struggling mightily in recent weeks.
“We can run the ball. We proved it tonight,” Scheuerman said. “It starts with executing on the offensive line a little more.”
Princeton responded immediately with a 60-yard touchdown drive.
On the next drive, Zweizig had his best play of the game when he floated a ball over Princeton’s secondary into the hands of wide receiver Mark Ross ‘14 for a 29-yard touchdown pass.
The game well out of reach, Lafayette kicked off and allowed Princeton to run out the clock.
Lafayette will attempt to end its two game losing streak next Saturday against Yale (1-3).
“You can go crawl in a hole or get back up tomorrow and prepare for Yale which we’ll do,” Tavani said.
Additional Notes: In his third season, Surace has gone 4-20 as Princeton’s head coach. Two of his wins have come against Lafayette. Lafayette has historically struggled against Princeton, winning just four times in their 47 meetings.
