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A Clash of Charlotte Titans
As the air is starting to get a chill in it, we are upon the last week in the 2021 NCISAA football season, and playoff shuffling is in full effect. And in this last week, the biggest private school game in the state is the clash between #3 Charlotte Latin and #2 Providence Day at Overcash Stadium.
Latin comes in at #3 after four consecutive weeks at #2, and who surpassed them? The Chargers, who came off a huge win against #1 Rabun Gap Nacoochee last week.
Chad Grier’s squad seems to be peaking at the best time of the year as playoffs start next week. Grier’s team has been led offensively this season by Virginia Tech recruit Grantt Logan, who has 1571 yds passing on 122-203 passes and 18 touchdowns with only three interceptions. The dual-threat senior quarterback has also rushed for 442 yards on 68 carries with six touchdowns. He has guided the Chargers to a 34.5 point per game average this year after a slow start.
The Hawks have been led all season by Daniel Haughton, the do-it-all senior athlete who is averaging 106 yards per game receiving with seven touchdowns, and he’s also second on the team in tackles with 58, oh and by the way, he has two interceptions.
If Providence Day wins, they will win the Big South title.
The Game
On Saturday, the 95th renewal of “The Game” will feature a top-10 matchup for the first time since 2011 with #4 Christ School traveling to #9 Asheville School for the afternoon clash. This has been a lopsided affair the last 20 years as the Greenies have won 18 out of the last 20, with the last Blues victory being in 2011.
Former Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, Tennessee Vols and Franklin running back Shawn Bryson has been the coach at Asheville School the last two years and is starting to grow the program just like he did at Rabun Gap Nacoochee before. A win in “The Game” will put the Blues in a new stratosphere in the NCISAA ranks as they look to be like their hated rival Christ School with an emphasis on building a top football program.
This should be a great atmosphere at the hidden gem in the mountains at McNaughton Stadium on the campus of Asheville School.
Raleigh Rumble
Another end-of-season rivalry game will take place on the campus of #10 Ravenscroft School at beautiful Stefanou Stadium as they welcome the North Raleigh Christian Knights who arrive with a 6-2 record and placement just outside the Carolina Preps Private School top 10.
Ravenscroft has dominated this series since NRCA’s move from 8-man in 2006 with the Knights only winning 2 of 16 matchups, but one was last season as NRCA split 2 matchups in the heavily affected COVID-19 season winning 30-27 and losing 21-19.
The Ravens come in led by Anthony Melvin, who has rushed for 985 yards on 122 carries averaging 109 yards per game with 14 touchdowns, and also 26 catches for 266 yards.
The Knights come in led by junior quarterback Connor McGann who has 1033 yards on 75 of 123 passing with 12 touchdowns and only one interception. This will be very important towards seeding in the NCISAA D2 playoff tree, both have a shot at hosting a first-round game, so this newfound rivalry in north Raleigh will have huge storylines.
More Rivalries
Speaking of rivalries, the newest one in the 8-man ranks is between 30-year 8-man veteran Parrott Academy and 3rd-year program #2 John Paul II Catholic, which is being played at the state of the art and gorgeous Pope John Paul II Stadium Friday night.
Both the Patriots and the Saints come in with 5-0 conference records, so the victor Friday will determine; the conference champion, and the state #1 seed in the NCISAA 8 man 2A playoffs, and a possible state championship game home-field advantage.
The Patriots come in as the season-long #1 team in 8 man football. They are led by 5th year senior quarterback Cole Dawson, who is 61 of 93 passing for 1402 yards and 18 touchdowns with only one interception. His favorite receiver is also the team-leading rusher. Morgan McPhaul is leading the team with 815 yds rushing with 20 touchdowns, he also is leading the team in receptions with 27 for 553 yds and 5 touchdowns.
Longtime legendary Archbishop Curly head coach in Baltimore, Maryland, Sean Murphy’s saints come in with a 7-2 record which includes a 5-0 record against 8 man teams and a very respectable 2-2 record against 11 man teams in the non-conference.
The Saints are a straightforward rushing attack led by ECU, UVA, Pitt recruit, 6-f0ot-3, 298-pound junior running back Rion Rosborough, who has rushed for a state leading 1294 yds on 160 carries with 17 touchdowns. His partner in yardage crime is sophomore Justin Biggs, who has rushed for 868 yards on 123 carries with 10 touchdowns, he also has a scarce receiving touchdown in the Saints run-heavy offense, with a 75 yard touchdown reception last week against Hobbton High School.
Likely Big 8 defensive player of the year, sophomore linebacker Keiveon Moore has 109 tackles with three sacks and loads of punishing hits. John Paul II is going to need all hands on deck as they go into the 4th game of this budding rivalry with no victories in it, should be another wonderful atmosphere in Greenville Friday night.
Other Games:
8 Man
#3 Cary Christian @ #8 Grace Christian*
St Davids @ #4 Rocky Mount Academy*
Father Vincent Capodanno @ #6 Faith Christian
#9 Bethel Christian @ #7 Halifax Academy- NCISAA 1A 8Man Playoffs
Lawrence Academy @ #5 Wayne Christian- NCISAA 1A 8Man Playoffs
11 Man:
Wake Christian @ #7 Metrolina Christian
#6 Harrells Christian @ Trinity Christian*
High Point Christian @ #1 Rabun Gap Nacoochee
Southlake Christian @ Covenant Day*
Hickory Grove Christian @ #8 Cabarrus Warriors*
#5 Charlotte Christian @ Charlotte Country Day*
*Conference Game
I would like to add my condolences to the family and friends of my former defensive coordinator at Mississippi State, Joe Lee Dunn. Rest in Peace, Coach.
