Providence Triumphs Over Oak Forest to Reach State Championship

Providence High School secured a spot in the state championship game after defeating Oak Forest 31-21 in a Class 5A semifinal match on March 15, 2024. The Celtics displayed a dominant performance, showcasing a powerful offensive strategy that left their opponents struggling to keep pace.

Strong Offense Leads the Way

In a notable display of teamwork, Providence’s running backs, Broden Mackert and Brayden McKay, led the charge. Mackert amassed 174 yards on 19 carries, while McKay added 136 yards on nine carries. The duo consistently broke through Oak Forest’s defense, forcing the Bengals to scramble defensively.

Providence established its dominance early, scoring two touchdowns in the first half. McKay found the end zone with runs of 16 and 19 yards, allowing the Celtics to take a commanding 14-0 lead into halftime. Coach Tyler Plantz praised the effectiveness of his players, stating, “Having those two, you don’t even know which one you want to put in the game because they are such ball players.”

The Celtics continued their aggressive approach in the second half. Following a physical drive, a 48-yard run by Mostert set up a one-yard touchdown plunge by Dominic Vita, extending Providence’s lead to 21-0. Oak Forest struggled to maintain momentum, facing difficulties in sustaining drives.

Resilience from Oak Forest

Despite the daunting odds, Oak Forest showed resilience. They responded with a 31-yard touchdown pass from All-State quarterback Daniel Chopp to Andrew Dawson, narrowing the gap to 21-7. However, Providence quickly countered with a 40-yard touchdown pass from Vita to Xavier Coleman, restoring their three-touchdown lead.

The game intensified with a series of penalties, but Providence maintained control throughout. Coach Plantz reflected on the team’s journey, stating, “It’s been gradual for sure.” He emphasized the importance of adaptability, noting the team’s ability to learn from past mistakes. “The best thing about this group is their coachability,” he added.

With this victory, Providence improves its season record to 10-3 and prepares for the state championship match against either Wheaton St. Francis or Belvidere North, set for 10 a.m. at Hancock Stadium on the campus of Illinois State University. The Celtics will aim to avenge an earlier loss to Wheaton St. Francis, who defeated them 47-35 in Week 5 of the regular season. Plantz acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “Whichever team we end up playing, we couldn’t be more excited for it.”

As Providence looks to solidify its place at the top, fans and players alike eagerly anticipate the upcoming championship game, where the stakes are higher than ever.