When you pop an address into Waze (or Google Maps), you usually get a few options for routes. Some are straightforward, while others might involve more backroads and scenery.

Princeton may have accidentally clicked the “avoid freeways” option when mapping out the 2023 season. When running back Kadyn Haire went down with an injury on his second carry in a Week 2 win over Harnett Central, the Bulldogs’ offensive plans had to be rewritten.

Enter sophomore Austin Lewallen, who at that point had exactly seven career varsity carries to his name (all in Week 1). He tallied 33 carries for 140 yards and three touchdowns that night, and has piled up 2,104 yards and 23 touchdowns for the season.

The team’s journey has been equally circuitous. A three-game skid in September featured humbling losses to Clinton (40-14) and Eastern Wayne (52-15) and it left the Bulldogs at a crossroads with a 3-3 record.

Princeton (8-3) recalculated, however, and hasn’t looked back.

The next stop on the road to postseason glory is back at home against Louisburg (6-5), which won a 46-43 thriller over Northwood to stay in the race.

The Warriors like to pound the football out of a couple of different versions of the Wing T, with Dante Strickland (1,005 yards, 7 TD) and bruising fullback Anthony Carter (461 yards, 7 TD) leading the way. Strickland is also an adequate passer, with 1,407 yards and 11 TD on the season.

The Warriors have been mercurial in their own right, having lost four of their first five games this fall before reeling off wins in five of their last six.

The Massey Ratings aren’t impressed, tabbing Princeton as a 30.5-point favorite. The Bulldogs habitually underperform the Massey number, but barring any unexpected road hazards, they should be able to hit the on ramp and head over to round three.

Catch all the action right here Friday night, starting at 6:45.