Providence Christian hopes to pull upset over McKenzie

Emory Latta’s young Providence Christian team has grown up a lot this season.

Tonight, the Eagles will find out if it’s paid off.

“We could either finish second in the region or be out of the playoffs,” Latta said. “It’s good to be in the ninth game of the season with your goals still within reach.”

Providence (5-3, 4-2 Class 1A, Region 3) hosts McKenzie (7-1, 5-1), a team that relies on big plays and has only lost once, to region leader Brantley, 47-7.

“They’ve got a lot of speed and experience with skill people,” Latta said. “We’ve got our work cut out for us.”

What Providence didn’t have coming into the year was much experience, and the team has lost three sophomore starters — Justin Peak, Davis Riley and Logan Dempsey — with season-ending injuries.

“That’s football,” Latta said. “Some years, it happens more than others.”

Freshman Kyle Eriksen has stepped up as a starter at running back and defensive back. Sterling Gatlin, a sophomore, is one of the area’s top tacklers as a linebacker. Several other freshmen and sophomores have been called upon.

But the bell cow has been junior Banks Smith, who had 178 yards and two rushing touchdowns and a 50-yard touchdown reception against Ariton two weeks ago in a crucial win.

It’s no secret that the Eagles will go to Smith, and he’s delivered on offense, defense and special teams. He’s also the placekicker.

“He’s just been really solid,” Latta said. “He does just about it all. He’s stepped up and really been a difference maker for us.”

Providence is in a battle with Ariton, Geneva County and McKenzie for the three final playoff spots behind Brantley.

Four scenarios exist. If McKenzie beats Providence and Geneva County beats Ariton, McKenzie (6-1) is two, Geneva County (5-2) three and Providence Christian (4-3) fourth with Ariton (3-4) out.

If McKenzie and Ariton win, then McKenzie (6-1) is No. 2 and the other three teams tied at 4-3 with it going to next week’s tiebreakers.

If Providence beats McKenzie and Geneva County wins, McKenzie (5-2) wins second in tiebreakers and Geneva County (5-2, beat Providence) is third and Providence fourth.

However, if Providence beats McKenzie and Artion beats Geneva County, then Providence (5-2, beat McKenzie) finishes second, McKenzie (5-2) is third and Ariton (4-3, beat Geneva County) fourth with Geneva County (4-3) out.

Latta said he won’t worry at all about what other teams are doing tonight.

“We’re going to have to focus on ball control and keeping the ball away from them,” Latta said. “We’ve got to stop the big plays, because that’s what they like to do.”

— David Mundee contributed to this report.