GOLDSBORO, N.C. — Bragging rights, playoff hopes, and county line pride will be on the line Friday night as the Princeton Bulldogs travel to the Eagles’ Nest to take on the Rosewood Eagles in the final regular season matchup of the 2026 high school football season.
This week’s Pittman Agner Law High School Football Game of the Week features the 4-5 Bulldogs battling the 3-6 Eagles in a Swine Valley Conference showdown that promises plenty of excitement.
With both teams looking to finish the regular season on a high note, the longtime county line rivalry adds even more intensity to a game that could have playoff implications.
Bulldogs Bring Powerful Ground Attack
Princeton enters Friday night’s contest with one of the conference’s most productive rushing attacks, averaging an impressive 371.1 yards per game. The Bulldogs are putting up 413.6 total yards and 39.3 points per contest.
Leading the charge is standout running back Teo McPhatter, who averages 236.7 rushing yards and 282.6 total yards per game. McPhatter’s ability to break open big plays will be a major challenge for the Rosewood defense.
Andrew Allnutt provides another offensive weapon for Princeton, averaging 44.5 receiving yards per game, while linebacker Jarrett Lee leads the Bulldogs defensively with eight tackles per contest.
Eagles Looking to Defend Home Turf
Rosewood will look to use its home-field advantage and the energy of the Eagles’ Nest to slow down Princeton’s explosive offense.
The Eagles average 177.2 rushing yards and 91.7 passing yards per game, combining for 268.9 yards of total offense.
Aldinio Previl leads Rosewood’s rushing attack with an average of 113 yards per game and contributes 114.9 total yards per contest. Quarterback Connor Smith directs the Eagles’ passing game, while Zamarrian Richardson provides a receiving threat, averaging 57 yards per game.
Defensively, Previl leads the Eagles with 9.2 tackles per game, while Elijah Sellars helps anchor the defensive front.
For Rosewood, containing Princeton’s powerful running game and controlling the clock could be the keys to pulling off a victory in front of the home crowd.
More Than Just a Football Game
The Princeton-Rosewood rivalry has long been about more than wins and losses. With neighboring communities separated by the county line, Friday night’s showdown will determine who claims bragging rights heading into the offseason.
Both teams have plenty of motivation, with Princeton looking to reach the .500 mark and Rosewood hoping to finish its regular season with a statement victory.
With playoff hopes potentially hanging in the balance, expect both teams to leave everything on the field.
Tune In for the Game of the Week
Fans can catch all the excitement Friday night with veteran broadcasters Barry Stallings and Harlon Neal, bringing listeners live play-by-play coverage, analysis, and all the action from the Eagles’ Nest.
The UNC Health Wayne Pregame Show begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by kickoff at 7 p.m.
Whether you’re cheering from the stands or following along from home, you won’t have to miss a moment of this county line showdown.
Get ready to “Punch In” with Barry Stallings and Harlon Neal this Friday night on your home for Wayne County High School Football, 98.3 WGBR, or stream the game LIVE at GoldsboroDailyNews.com.
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