Program Profile: Providence Day Chargers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we continue our series of program profiles, we're checking in on one of the best teams in the state, a team that consistently puts out talent. Providence Day once again looks like one of the top teams in the state and has future college players at every position. A Week 0 clash with Weddington could be the game of the season. Can the Chargers repeat as champions in 2024?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Providence Day Chargers Top Players</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Players to Watch: Offense</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While most teams would be in trouble after losing an elite starting quarterback to the University of Michigan, the Chargers have their guy waiting in the wings. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='896157' first='Zaid' last='Lott']</strong> hasn't thrown many varsity passes, but he's already committed to the University of North Carolina. Lott has great size and is a legitimate threat running the ball, giving the Chargers a new dynamic at the quarterback position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lott will be throwing to a host of top receivers. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800901' first='Gordon' last='Sellars']</strong> is the headliner, holding offers from numerous Power Four schools, but <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='919611' first='Jaylen' last='Himes']</strong>, <strong>William McDermott</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1260987' first='Brendan' last='Ravin']</strong> are just a few of the other receivers who could make an impact in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At running back, there are two really talented guys who will spell one another. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='831343' first='Ian' last='Cline']</strong> is one of the best in the state and junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='284083' first='Aidan' last='Gallos']</strong> has plenty of potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With all of the skill position talent, however, it's the big guys up front that make Providence Day special.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Left tackle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='274610' first='David' last='Sanders']</strong> is considered by some recruiting services as the top player in the country and will have his choice of college from a multitude of offers. But juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='864378' first='Leo' last='Delaney']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='327284' first='Miles' last='Funderburk']</strong> are both trending upwards on the recruiting trail. Delaney, in particular, is having a phenomenal camp season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='595731' first='DC' last='Carr']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1321316' first='Jack' last='Langston']</strong> are also guys to watch on the offensive line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Players to Watch: Defense</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defensive side of the ball is star-studded as well. The defensive line is led by our top player in the 2027 class, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1029786' first='Griff' last='Galloway']</strong>. Charlotte Christian transfer defensive tackle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1136705' first='Mark' last='Franco'] </strong>adds some needed size in the middle, as does <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='496368' first='Charles' last='Ibe']</strong>, another one of our top sophomores.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The linebacker trio of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1321323' first='Matthew' last='Hankins']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='896158' first='Quintin' last='McCray']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1321326' first='Jace' last='Goodwin']</strong> can really move. While all three are a bit undersized, they're good in coverage and not afraid to hit. One other guy to know is hybrid linebacker-edge rusher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='223038' first='Justin' last='Abanquah']</strong>, who our Matt Morrow saw test and came away impressed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The secondary doesn't get the accolades that some of the other position groups get, but it may be the best position group on the team. Led by Wake Forest commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='286143' first='Braxton' last='Winston']</strong>, the secondary is deep, versatile and talented. Corner <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='919599' first='Cairo' last='Skanes']</strong> had six interceptions and 83 tackles last season and recently committed to Miami (OH). Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='897125' first='Brennan' last='Drummond']</strong> was All-State as a safety last year and will look to reprise that role this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are a few inexperienced, but talented defensive backs waiting in the wings in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1608315' first='Moses' last='Poku-Kankam']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1610603' first='Tre' last='Geathers']</strong> who will try to make their mark this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finally, the special teams unit isn't too shabby. Senior <strong>Davis Dudley</strong> handles both place-kicking and punting and has a powerful, accurate leg.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Expectations for Providence Day</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Chad Grier and company will obviously hope to repeat as champions in 2024, but one of the team's biggest goals could be achieved on night one of the season. In one of the best "Private vs. Public" games we've seen in North Carolina in years, the Chargers will take on reigning 4A state champion Weddington in Charlotte's Kickoff Night. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Warriors could be the Chargers' best competition all season and the battle in the trenches will be one for the ages. Still, the Chargers should hold their own and will look to win every game in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->