FOOTBALL: Providence suffers 62-19 loss to rival Highlanders

By KEVIN HARRIS

kevinharris1972@gmail.com

FLOYDS KNOBS – Visiting Providence dropped to 0-2 last Friday in a 62-19 loss against archrival Floyd Central at Ron Weigleb Stadium. The last time the Pioneers surrendered at least 60 points in a game was a 60-34 setback to the Highlanders on August 30, 2013.

In a rare occurrence, run-oriented Providence had more passing yards than rushing yards. Pioneer quarterback Joe Denis completed 13-of-22 passes for 195 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Providence wide receiver Manny Schmidt had nine receptions for 93 yards, including a 13-yard TD catch in the fourth quarter. Denis’ first TD pass was a 40-yard strike to Bishop Edwards in the third.

Pioneer junior running back Kaden Williams was held to under 60 rushing yards for the second consecutive game. Williams scampered for 53 yards on 14 carries along with one reception for 35 yards.

Williams did reach the end zone on the defensive side of the ball. He returned a fumble 74 yards for a score at the 8:43 mark of the second quarter, cutting Providence’s deficit to 21-7.

The Highlanders (1-1) accumulated 450 total yards. Floyd senior quarterback Matthew Weimer was 9-of-14 passing for 231 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions.

Highlander senior Jon Gunn made five receptions for 109 yards, including an 80-yard TD catch in the first quarter. Floyd senior running back Devon Stikes rushed for 56 yards on nine carries. Teammate Jason Cundiff had six carries for 53 yards and three touchdowns.

The Pioneers will host Silver Creek (2-0) for their home opener at 7 p.m. Saturday. The game was originally scheduled for Friday. But both schools decided to move the game up to Saturday because of heavy rain expected Friday from the remnants of Hurricane Harvey.
The Highlanders will travel to Madison (1-1) for their Hoosier Hills Conference opener at 7 p.m. Friday.

FLOYD CENTRAL 62, PROVIDENCE 19

Providence             0    7     6   6-19

Floyd Central      14  17  17  14-62

First quarter

FC – Jason Cundiff 3 run (Cole Hussung kick), 4:43.

FC – Jon Runn 80 pass from Matthew Weimer (Hussung kick), :03.7.

Second quarter

FC – Cundiff 20 run (Hussung kick), 11:53.

P – Kaden Williams 74 fumble return (Nathan Striby kick), 8:43.

FC – Zach Rodgers 67 pass from Weimer (Hussung kick), 8:26.

FC – Hussung 37 FG, 3:20.

Third quarter

FC – Cundiff 15 run (Hussung kick), 11:42.

P – Bishop Edwards 40 pass from Joe Denis (pass failed), 9:22.

FC – Brandon Striegel 79 kick return (Hussung kick), 9:09.

FC – Hussung 21 FG, 2:54.

Fourth quarter

P – Manny Schmidt 13 pass from Denis (pass failed), 10:11.

FC – Braxton Cerqueira 55 pass from Weimer (Hussung kick), 9:57.

FC – Landon Deweese 18 blocked punt recovery (Hussung kick), 8:27.