2009 season about to kick off

By Jon Johnson

Published: August 26, 2009

I’m really looking forward to the Houston Academy-Providence Christian matchup at Rip Hewes Stadium on Thursday night. It was a great game last year with a fantastic atmosphere. I expect another big crowd for this one, but don’t know if a young Providence team will be able to keep it close the whole way against Houston Academy.
It’s almost unreal that the Raiders start a senior at every position. J.H. Johnson at quarterback has really developed going into his senior year for HA, and Andrew Dauphin is always a threat to break a long run at tailback.
Providence certainly can make a game of it if the Eagles can run the ball effectively behind what is a very good offensive line. I’m sure the Eagles will try to control the clock, and if they can do so, it could go down to the wire.
It will also be interesting to see how Northview fares in its opener at Robert E. Lee as new Cougar coach Wayne White has his debult. I heard the Cougars’ starting QB - and that would be B.J. Chitty - missed some practice time due to being sick. Obviously, if he can’t play, it will hurt Northview’s chances.
Cottonwood at Slocomb is another interesting match-up tonight. I believe Slocomb’s ground game with Greg Burdeshaw at tailback could prove to be the difference.