Providence Academy making big strides in third season

Providence Academy is no longer the start-up football program.The Knights have 34 players on their roster, an offseason weight training and conditioning program and a full coaching staff. There's an actual stadium which they play, although there is more to be done.Now is the time for the Knights to shine in their third season under former two-time Super Bowl participant Daniel Kilgore as head coach."The numbers have grown and so have I as a coach," Kilgore said. "It's learning what works for this crew and what doesn't, growing a culture. Everybody talks about culture and every school around here has a football tradition. Here we're trying to grow a player- led culture."Sophomore Hunt Simpson will lead the Knights at quarterback with freshman Cam Blanton as his backup. That opening happened as last year's starter Jacoby Puhr has transitioned to running back. Gabe Pennington, another senior, will also share in the rushing duties.The Knights are deep at receiver, led by junior Nash Martinez, a star on the baseball team that has made back-to-back state tournament appearances. Other key receivers include Braden Miller, Cole Blanton and Carter Larson. Junior Roman Damron takes over at tight end.Kilgore, an offensive lineman with a decade of NFL experience, is most concerned about a lack of experience in some spots. Still, the Knights are bigger, stronger and with better footwork than ever before.Junior Juan Vides and freshman John Poole are batting for starting center. Senior Alexander Manning and Oliver Evans are guards, although Vides could shift over there. There's plenty of depth at tackle with Fischer Dean, Hudson Harwood, Chase Ballard and Tristan Dennis.Same as most small schools, many players go both ways with a 3-4 defense. Puhr can line up at either defensive end or outside linebacker, while Dean also will line up at end. Tackles include Vides and Manning, a senior who transferred from Cedar View Christian which does not offer football. However, Manning gets a passing grade as he played as a freshman at Dobyns-Bennett.Harwood, Ballard and Damron are other linebackers, while freshman Noah Collinger should see plenty of playing time.In the backfield, Miller and Larson are listed at corners. Marcus Stine is at safety, while Cole Blanton brings the versatility to play either corner or safety. Kilgore raves about freshman safety Stinson Ellis."He has the raw talent, a rare player at this level," Kilgore said. "He's a well-rounded freshman with great instincts, grit and knowledge. He has great footwork and a nose for the ball."Puhr showcases his all-around talent, also the team's kicker. Same with Cole Blanton, a three-sport athlete whom Kilgore said has made the biggest jump of any player. Blanton has grown in height, put on weight and gained confidence.Miller and Martinez are the primary kick and punt returners, although freshman Kahler Oggero could make an impact on special teams.Providence faces a challenging schedule against Division II schools. They open with out-of-state visitor Asheville Christian at home. Their next three games are on the road, culminating with West Greene. The Knights will even play one game at Middle Tennessee State when they face Providence Christian.No. Name Class1 Cam Blanton Fr.2 Hunt Simpson So.3 Nash Martinez Jr.5 Dietrich Guldseth So.6 Cole Blanton Sr.7 Ty Puhr Fr.8 Kahler Oggero Fr.11 Marcus Stine Jr.13 Carter Larson So.15 Chris Carroll Jr.16 Charlie Walker Sr.17 Stinson Ellis Fr.20 Noah Collinger Fr.22 Case Freeman Jr.23 Braden Miller Jr.24 Jacoby Puhr Sr.29 Easton Evans Fr.37 Will Hallam Fr.38 Miles Iqbal Fr.40 Gabe Pennington Sr.50 Ford Bowman So.51 Matthew Carroll Fr.52 Tristan Dennis Jr.53 Chase Ballard Sr.55 Hudson Harwood So.56 Everett Collins So.58 John Poole Fr.64 Juan Vides Jr.65 Everett Leek So.68 Fischer Dean Sr.70 Oliver Evans So.73 Alexander Manning Sr.80 Caedmon Nidiffer Sr.82 Roman Damron Jr.Head coach: Daniel Kilgore.