Providence stuns West Meck for 5th straight win, shares SoMeck 4A title
Providence High is headed into the postseason on a roll.
The Panthers notched their fifth straight win and a share of the SoMeck 4A title with a 48-8 victory Friday against homecoming opponent West Mecklenburg.
Providence, which shares the crown with Ardrey Kell and West Mecklenburg, jumped on the Hawks quickly, building a 20-point lead in the second quarter and holding them in check throughout.
West Mecklenburg, which had won eight straight and had a one-game cushion toward the outright title, struggled to get into gear, especially in the air. The Hawks finished with 126 yards total offense, including 56 passing.
Providence receiver Will Kakavitsas put in a big performance with four touchdowns, including three in the air. He finished with six catches for 138 yards.
Records: West Mecklenburg 8-2, 5-1 conference; Providence 6-5, 5-1.
Three who mattered
Will Kakavitsas: The Providence receiver was everywhere, with three first-half receptions for 102 yards and a score and a 43-yard pass to Patrick Bloomingburg on a fake punt to set up another. He also scored on a 9-yard run to open the onslaught.
Mason Boothe: Kakavitsas’ battery mate hit 11-of-19 passes for 185 yards and three touchdowns.
Jamar Price: Running back helped Providence control the ball and momentum with nine carries for 56 yards in the first half.
Worth mentioning
▪ West Mecklenburg’s only other loss was a 21-14 setback to Vance in the season opener.
▪ Providence, which finished with 119 rushing yards, piled up 91 yards on 22 first-half carries. The Panthers finished with 228 yards passing.
▪ Jamar Taylor split time between quarterback and tailback from the wildcat formation for West Mecklenburg. He tallied 55 yards rushing and passed for 56 more.
▪ Defensive tackle Gavin Reeder lived a lineman’s dream when he rumbled 51 yards with an interception for a score that boosted Providence’s advantage to 41-8.
▪ West Mecklenburg tallied four sacks, while the Panthers managed five.
What’s next
State playoffs for both teams.
This story was originally published November 9, 2018 at 10:45 PM.