Boot Camp: Princeville features young roster

PRINCEVILLE, Ill. (WMBD) -- Princeville went 7-3 last season and made the playoffs last season, however they graduated a lot of talent from last year and return only two starters on each side of the ball. The defense for the Princes was very stingy and tough to score on as they allowed only 15 points per game. That unit will be led by returning linebackers Coley Palmer and Collin Carruthers. Head coach Jon Carruthers says they will be leaning on their linebackers to lead a young unit. "The linebacker position is kind of the quarterback of the defense and having two guys with experience," said coach Carruthers. "They're multiple years starters, Collin Carruthers and then Coley Palmer. Having those guys be able to call it formations, strengths, things like that, get people set that that takes. A lot of our coaches played there." "In our conference I feel like a lot of people do a lot of run a lot less than pass," said Palmer. "So, I think our middle linebackers and really all of our linebacker's kind of contain the run game a lot better than most other teams. So, I think that's why they're really good position for us." The Princes hit the road in week one to take on Illini West. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.