With a 39-24 defeat of Berry Academy, the Providence Panthers moved to 3-0 in North Carolina’s still-young single-school competition.

With Charlotte Catholic running what amounts to their 2nd team in the competition (and also starting 3-0 regardless), the competition will tighten up in the Tar Heel State, and the Panthers have started the strongest, outscoring opponents 112-24 in their opening three games.

They’ve done this despite low numbers - coach Alec Acosta said they have dressed only 17 players per game.

they have nine first-year players, but, said Acosta, they are athletic and eager to learn, and are helped by the more experienced players.

Acosta, however, warns against any Panther bandwagon.

“Although we have started well to go 3-0, this may be a rebuilding year for us. After playing in next week's NC Ruggerfest, our litmus test will be our next scheduled matrix match against Charlotte Catholic on March 12.”

Junior captain Glenn Tarry is a three-year starter and been moved to scrumhalf after two years at wing. He is leading the team well. Another three-year starter, Mayo Ogunmola leads the team with six tries scored, and has enjoyed moving from inside center to outside center. The reason he moved is because Mike Wilson transferred from Charlotte Catholic and slotted in nicely. 

In the forwards, senior lock Anthony Gardner has started all four years. A tireless worker in tight Gardner started playing in middle school and has been a mainstay for the team.

But, Providence isn’t alone. Hough has started 2-0, and Catholic has won a forfeit over Myers Park, and beaten Ardrey Kell and South Meck. This weekend seems to be a fairly straightforward clash of stronger teams and teams trying to get there. But two weeks hence, as Acosta noted, the Panthers host Catholic in a big game, and also 2-0 Hough takes on 1-1 South Meck, and 1-0 Grimsley can move up with a game against the Vikings.