Charlotte Latin Handles Providence

                The Hawks started fast and never looked back in the opening game of the High School Kickoff Night against Providence. Demarkes Stradford took the opening kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown. Stradford also had a touchdown run (seven yards) and a touchdown reception (50 yards) from quarterback Bates Jones. Jones also threw another touchdown pass to Ryan Ensor (14 yards). Just like that, Latin was up 30-0 at half time.

                The Panthers were able to cut the Hawks’ lead in the second half. Quarterback Jack Cherry would hit Blake Proehl (son of Panthers receivers’ coach/former receiver, Ricky Proehl) for a ten yard touchdown pass. Nate Kibambe’s two-yard touchdown run and Bryce Porzenski’s extra point cut the lead to 30-14.

                Providence would not get any closer. Latin shut the door on any comeback attempt when Jones connected with Todd Hartert for a 25-yard touchdown pass. Providence did get an oh-by-the-way touchdown in the closing seconds when Cherry connected with Kevin McCann for an eight-yard touchdown reception That would make the final score 37-21.

                This is the first time since 2008 that a private school took down a 4A school. Charlotte Country Day took down Crest 15-14 that year. The previous year, the Buccaneers took down South Carolina 4A powerhouse, Northwestern 51-48.

                Providence plays at Vance next week. Charlotte Latin will be home against Northwood.