The Providence School, led by former Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Jeff Kopp, will have big expectations to live up to. Providence, who finished the season 3-7, failed to beat a team with a winning record. Kopp’s only wins last season came against Duval Charter and Creekside, who both finished the season winless, and Episcopal, who finished 5-5. For a team with multiple potential Divison I athletes, the Stallions will have to improve on both sides of the ball this season. They averaged only 24.8 points per game, while averaging a large 34.2 points against. Kopp’s defense will need to step up and lower that average if they want to improve their record this year.
With Jamauri Wakefield leaving for Vanderbilt University, this football team will have to find a play maker for this offense in a hurry. Racking up over 1500 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns, Wakefield was definitely the go-to workhorse for Coach Kopp’s offense. However, Quarterback Carter Bradley and Receiver Will Mallory, who carries multiple offers, will return and will be expected to be in the end zone more often in 2016. They have the opportunity to be the best QB/Receiver pair in Jacksonville.
Providence has the advantage of being in a fairly easy district, with the exception of Trinity Christian Academy. They could definitely rack up a win against Duval Charter, and win against Episcopal again as well. They face Creekside again on September 16th, which would be another opportunity to increase the W column. Other potential wins this season could come against North Florida Christian, Arlington Country Day and Fletcher. Their games against University Christian, Trinity Christian and West Nassau are likely to give them some trouble, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Providence Stallions
Providence Will Try To Return To Dominance
Written by Kim Hoy
Photo by Providence School
