High School Football Report

October 21, 2007

By Jon Johnson

A big congratulations to Providence Christian for making the playoffs, thanks to a dramatic 19-18 win at McKenzie on Friday. The Eagles blocked a field goal attempt of 22 yards on the game’s final play to perserve the win. Earlier in the season, Providence had a field goal attempt blocked on the game’s final play, as Florala returned the ball some 80 yards for a touchdown to win the game.
This is just the second year the school has fielded a varsity football team, which makes the playoff berth that much more remarkable. Coach Emory Latta had done a terrific job over there and it appears the program has a bright future.
Cottonwood certainly proved it is the best in the rugged Class 2A, Region 2 with a surprisingly easy win over Wicksburg by a 42-12 score. Yes, the Panthers were nursing some injuries, but for Cottonwood to win in that manner certainly puts the Bears a notch above the other contenders.
I expect the Bears have a chance to make a lot of noise in the playoffs several weeks down the road. Outstanding job by their first-year coach Toby Greene, a veteran of the coaching ranks in the area.
Northview fell short of a playoff berth due to the loss to Central of Phenix City, but I’m still extremely impressed with the progress the program has made under Chip Harris. The Cougars certainly appear on solid footing now and I expect we’ll see much success in the coming years.
It was good to see Dothan pull off its first win of the season against Russell County on Thursday. The players seem to compete hard for the Tigers, and to finally taste a win must have been rewarding.
Of course the city showdown is this week between Dothan and Northview at Rip Hewes Stadium. While the records may not indicate a showdown, I suspect the players will be getting after it pretty hard and an exciting game will be the result. Northview certainly appears to be the better team this year, but the Tigers will likely pull out everything they have to make it a game. I hope the fans come out and watch in big numbers.