Was at this game. Catholic acquitted themselves well but clearly over matched in this one. First this is the 2nd time I have seen Providence Day play this year. Without question, they are the best collection of high school talent, size and speed with the possible exception of the Gonzaga team that visited Catholic 12 or so years ago that I have ever seen in person. They look impressive getting off the bus. They are also one of the most explosive teams on offense with quick strike ability on any play. However, they have also been one of the most underperforming teams in the state too. They have been prone to mistakes typically seen at the pop warner level and a lot of them. Their C game will get them a win most nights. If they play disciplined ball, I don't think any team in the state can touch them. Against a good, disciplined team, they have demonstrated they can lose. It cost them against Weddington. Catholic had them down 9-7 late in the third quarter, had just picked up a turnover and was driving in PD's territory. Catholic's combination of ball control and PD's mistakes had thoroughly frustrated them and had Catholic in a position to win the game. I said earlier in the week that Catholic had no margin of error and that a lot had to go wrong for PD and everything right for Catholic to win. Unfortunately, Catholic had a few mistakes and critical missed opportunities that cost them. Net, net, losing well is no consolation prize and still shows up as an "L" in the record. However, the takeaway for me is that, for Catholic, it should be a confidence builder as they have shown that they can line up with anyone in the state and have a chance to win. Next week, another big challenge. Crest at Crest. They are "just" a 3A and yet one of the better teams in the state at any level year in and year out. Nothing but respect for this team as they are an established program with a deep tradition, much like Catholic. Always good when strong teams take on early season games where they have the potential to lose. They have played a few times over the years. Always physical. Always brutal. Should be a good one.
