HERRIMAN — Eleven years after its doors opened to students, the charter institution in the southwest corner of the Salt Lake Valley that prides itself on being “Utah’s only K-12 International Baccalaureate School” can add something else fun to that description.
Providence Hall is also now Utah’s only K-12 International Baccalaureate School with a football team.
Parents, students, administrators and Herriman community members who’ve been clamoring over the years for this to happen can flash big smiles tonight at 7 when the Patriots take on Richfield High in their first-ever football game.
Patriots fans will have to wait a few weeks to cheer on their new favorite team at home — or at their quasi-home. Providence Hall will play its one home game at the Real Monarchs’ stadium a mile or so down the road at Real Salt Lake’s academy.
Though first-year programs generally don’t have great success and the Patriots have a very young squad, Providence Hall is determined to prove critics wrong.
“We’re playing with house money,” first-year coach Cal Williams said. “I told these kids, ‘Hey, these seniors have wanted football their whole careers. Now it’s here.’”
Williams admits the nearly 100 players who showed up this summer fall into two categories — “the haves and the have-nots.” He’s actually scared to play some out of fear they might get hurt. Yet, others are being recruited by colleges.
Throw them all together, and the optimistic coach believes Providence Hall might surprise people.
“They have a chip on their shoulder. They’re ready to prove people wrong now and they’ve practiced like it,” he said. “These guys are hungry to win and we’re just looking to shock some people.”
Regardless of how much shocking they do — even if it includes a 9-0 record — the Patriots know their season will end on Oct. 16 at Sky View. The UHSAA is making them play an independent schedule and won’t allow them to play in the postseason. The school can appeal that decision in December. If denied, the Patriots will have to wait until the next realignment to be included in a region and playoff consideration.
The Patriots aren’t thrilled about that, but it does no good to stew over something they can’t change.
“Now we are just focused on this year and making sure things happen,” Williams said.
Interestingly, the Patriots’ inaugural season includes games against teams from every classification in Utah — from 2A’s Parowan, 3A’s Summit Academy, 4A’s Uintah to Hillcrest (5A) and Copper Hills (6A). Providence Hall doesn’t play nearby Mountain Ridge, a new school that is also playing its first football season, but there are hopes of a future “Corridor Challenge” rivalry with their Mountain View Corridor neighbors.
First things first. This season.
The way Williams sees it, the sophomores and juniors owe it to the team’s seven seniors to give their all.
“We’re not just here to participate (and say), ‘Football, cool,’” Williams said. “No, we’re here to win and we’re here to win now. We have the dudes to win now, and that’s our plan.”
Providence Hall Patriots at a glance
Coach: Cal Williams, a Provo High product who previously worked with ex-Utah State coach Matt Wells on the academics side of the Aggies football program.
Coach Williams on new UHSAA RPI:
“Not applicable this year. When it is, we’ll talk.”
Providence Hall Patriots snapshot
Key players
— Jacob Walsh, soph. (MLB/RB)
Williams: “Sophomore, but he’s a grown man.”
— Jake Ramsey, junior (RB/CB)
The cornerback will be a nice addition to the Patriots’ defense and will just get better with time.
— Jacob Mondragon, senior (WR/SS)
The senior showed solid, team-first leadership when LJ Apisala showed up and got the starting QB job. The talented athlete will still be an impact player. “He’ll play everywhere for us,” Williams said. “He’s real aggressive, a downhill guy. He’s got a little chip on his shoulder.”
— LJ Apisala, junior (QB/DE)
Joined team after moving to Utah from America Samoa. He quickly took over as starting QB and will also play on the D-line. He’s being recruited by military academies and some Ivy League schools.
— Amaran Sauiluma, junior (OG/DT)
The big kid moved to Utah from Seattle and will play on both lines for the Patriots.
— Dominic Wininger, soph. (CB)
The Patriots will look to him to lock down opposing receivers.
— Leo Juarez, junior (WR)
He projects to play an important role in PH’s offense after transferring from Juan Diego.
— Wyatt Barlow, junior (TE/DE)
“He is really good. He’s going about 6-4, 200 pounds,” Williams said. “He’s got that d-end body that will project to the next level.”
— Mikey Torgeson, senior (DT)
The Patriots will need him to play well up front in his one and only football season at PH.
— Michael Scott, soph. (WR/FS)
One of many youngsters who will have a great chance to shine over the next few years.
— DJ Purcell, junior (FB/LB)
“He’s a power back,” Williams said. “He’s not very shifty, but he’ll just hit the hole and go. He’ll be really good for us there.”
Key Game: vs. Summit Academy, Sept. 13 (Week 5)
Bottom line
The Patriots had a great turnout for the football team, including four girls, and that should help them as the program builds depth and a foundation for the future. The schedule is set up for some competitive games against teams that are also trying to establish themselves after lean years.
2019 schedule
Aug. 16 — at Richfield, 7 p.m.
Aug. 23 — at Grand, 7 p.m.
Aug. 30 — at Uintah, 7 p.m.
Sept. 6 — COPPER HILLS, 7 p.m.
Sept. 13 — at Summit Academy, 7 p.m.
Sept. 20 — at Hillcrest, 7 p.m.
Sept. 27 — at Parowan, 7 p.m.
Oct. 4 — BYE
Oct. 11 — at Whitehorse, TBD
Oct. 16 — at Sky View, 7 p.m.
.....
Providence Hall coaching history
2019 — Cal Williams (0-0)