Providence-Harding among Charlotte Observer high school football games of the week

Providence (4-2, 1-0 SoMeck 7) at Harding (5-1, 1-0), Thursday, 7 p.m.: Harding was in position to pull off one of the biggest wins in school history two weeks ago, up 9-3 against Mallard Creek in the third quarter before losing in a flurry of turnovers. Harding showed its mettle bouncing back to beat West Meck 45-21 last week. Providence has lost two games to two top 10 Sweet 16 teams (Myers Park, Butler) by a combined four points. The game will match two of the region’s top running backs -- Providence senior Julian Boddie and Harding junior Quavaris Crouch.

Charlotte Catholic (5-0, 1-0 Southern Carolina) at Weddington (4-1, 1-0), Thursday, 7 p.m.: Catholic was a N.C. 4A state semifinalist in 2016; Weddington was the N.C. 3AA champion. The two powers now find themselves in the same league, meeting in a game that could decide the league champ.

Providence Day (5-1, 0-0 CISAA) at Charlotte Latin (4-1, 0-0), Thursday, 7 p.m.: Providence Day, 3-7 last season, has already topped its 2016 victory total and is eyeing its first state title berth in five years. Charlotte Latin, the reigning state champion, has started well in what was supposed to be a rebuilding year. This is one of Mecklenburg’s best rivalry games.

Porter Ridge (3-2, 1-0 Southwestern 4A) at Butler (3-1, 1-0), Thursday, 7 p.m.: Butler has averaged more than 40 points per game in seven of the past eight seasons. This year, the Bulldogs are averaging 19.5. Porter Ridge, which beat East Meck 31-28 last week, will look to pull off the upset, hoping Butler doesn’t figure out its offensive issues this week.

Watauga (5-0, 1-0 Northwestern 3A/4A) at Alexander Central (5-0, 1-0), Friday, 7:30 p.m.: First team to 50 wins? Watauga is averaging 47 points per game. Alexander Central is averaging 43.

This story was originally published September 25, 2017 at 3:25 PM with the headline "Providence-Harding among Charlotte Observer high school football games of the week."