Raiders, Eagles to meet in historical opener

They’re friends. They’re rivals. They’re members of Dothan private schools just several miles apart.

Tonight, for the first time, Providence Christian and Houston Academy will meet on the football field.

And they’ll do it on the city’s big stage — Rip Hewes Stadium.

“It’s huge,” said Seth McGowan, who plays linebacker and running back for Houston Academy.

“It’s probably the biggest football game I’ve ever played in. This game has been our motivation in the off-season.”

There was ample opportunity to add a little fuel to the friendly rivalry as the two teams participated in 7-on-7 drills together several times during the summer.

Perhaps more than anything, however, was the respect gained.

“I’ve watched them play and they’re a good team,” McGowan said.

“Starting up, they’ve been a surprising success with their new program.”

In just its second season of fielding a varsity football program, Providence Christian went 7-4 last season and advanced to the first round of the Class 1A playoffs.

Houston Academy has been one of the stronger Class 2A programs in the area in recent years, finishing 7-3 last season with an appearance in the first round of the playoffs.

“It will be a whole lot different compared to our normal games,” Providence senior linebacker/tight end Josiah Yance said. “I’ve heard a lot of people from other schools say they’re coming to the game.

“I’ve got friends at Houston Academy. I haven’t talk to them this week, but they were excited about it. I think we’re pretty evenly matched.”
Chris Crawford, who rushed for 1,200 yards as a junior for Providence, said the Eagles enter the season with confidence.

“I think our heart is definitely in it this year,” Crawford said. “Our goals are to play the best of our ability. Whatever the score is at the end of the game, so be it.”

Crawford shared the running back duties last year with Jake Nobles, who has since graduated. While he’s now considered the top talent in the backfield, he deflects any praise.

“I know the coach has always trusted me and is aware of my capabilities, but it’s all about the blocking,” Crawford said. “They’ve (offensive line) worked hard. I trust my blockers.”

While Providence lost some key members off last year’s offensive front, Houston Acadmey has a veteran group that is considered one of the best in the area.

Raider senior lineman Lit Flowers believes that’s definitely an advantage going into tonight’s game.

“We only lost one person off the offensive line from last year,” Flowers said. “I think we have the advantage whenever it comes to the line.”

Flowers believes the Raiders have progressed well in the preseason and is excited about opening the season at Rip Hewes Stadium.

“I think it’s going to be a ton more exciting,” he said. “For us it’s a real big game. We want to do good.”

While the Providence offense put up big numbers in recent years, the defense has somewhat struggled.

Yance said there’s been an emphasis put on defense during the preseason. It will certainly get a test tonight against the Raiders’ big offensive front.

“We’re making it more of a pride issue,” Yance said. “We’re stressing better tackling — really working.”

While it’s only the opener, and the teams play in different classifications, McGowan believe the game is especially big for the seniors.

“I don’t want to have to look back on this game later in life and think, ‘Man, I wish I would have won that one,’’’ McGowan said.