Providence secures 5A playoff victory over Morgan Park
Providence defeated Morgan Park 42-34 at Stagg Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, to advance to the second round of the Class 5A playoffs.
The Celtics utilized a multidimensional offensive attack to overcome a late rally by the Mustangs, according to reports from the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune. Providence, now 9-3, moves on to face Carbondale (10-2) in the quarterfinals next weekend.
The victory was defined by a massive scoring surge in the second quarter. After a scoreless opening period, Brayden McKay scored on a one-yard run to open the scoring. Providence then capitalized on Morgan Park turnovers to score three touchdowns in just 96 seconds, including a 53-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Isaac Patton, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
Score at Half: Celtics 28 Morgan Park 0
Mackert returns to lead the ground game
Senior running back Broden Mackert, a Western Illinois recruit, returned to full strength after missing multiple weeks due to injury late in the regular season. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Mackert rushed for 165 yards and three touchdowns, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Mackert’s performance included two significant scoring plays of 48 and 45 yards. His ability to maintain momentum was critical as Morgan Park attempted to close the gap in the second half. The Chicago Tribune noted that Mackert’s physical style and ability to find space allowed him to help Providence withstand a 28-point comeback attempt by the Mustangs in the final 14 minutes of play.
“I try to leave my mark for this team. I am trying to win it all,” Mackert said, noting that the reality of the playoffs approaching influences his effort.
Mackert, who previously played as a defensive lineman, said team chemistry is important because many players in the current group are motivated by last season's loss to Wheaton St. Francis in the 5A state championship game.
Morgan Park’s aerial attack falls short
Despite the loss, Morgan Park’s offense remained a significant threat throughout the contest. Junior quarterback Ronald Smith Jr. threw for 417 yards and four touchdowns, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Providence 42 Morgan Park 34 Final Gigantic second half comeback comes up just short for MoPo. Jonsean Young 2 rec TD/1 rush TD, RJ Smith 430 passing yds/4 TD, Darrell Mattison INT/forced fumble/99 receiving yds, Travezz Jones, Denzel Sims rec Td each for Mopo (9-2).
The Mustangs’ comeback was fueled by Smith’s connection with various targets, including Jonsean Young, who recorded two touchdown receptions and a 56-yard touchdown run. However, Morgan Park struggled to maintain consistency, with coach Chris James noting that turnovers and missed opportunities at the end of the first half prevented the team from staying within striking distance.
The following table compares the primary statistical contributors from the game:
| Player | Team | Key Statistic |
|---|---|---|
| Broden Mackert | Providence | 165 rushing yards, 3 TDs |
| Ronald Smith Jr. | Morgan Park | 417 passing yards, 4 TDs |
| DeAngelo Coates | Providence | 87 receiving yards, 4 catches |
| Jonsean Young | Morgan Park | 2 TD receptions, 1 TD run |
Vertical threats stretch the Morgan Park defense
While Providence is not traditionally a passing-heavy school, the addition of vertical threats helped stretch the Morgan Park defense. Junior quarterback Dominic Vita threw for 170 yards, including a 42-yard touchdown pass to senior tight end John Cullen, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
Junior DeAngelo Coates added a new dimension to the Celtics' offense. The 6-4 junior caught four passes for 87 yards. Interim coach Adam Nissen described Coates as a weapon who stretches defenses vertically.
End of 3rd: Celtics 35 Morgan Park 12
“He’s a weapon, man,” Nissen said of Coates. “Tall, can run, stretches the defenses vertically for us. He has matured a ton since last year.”
Mackert noted that the presence of receivers like Coates and Cullen forces opposing defenses to account for more than just the running game, which provides more room for the offensive line and the rushing attack.
Providence will host Carbondale in the quarterfinals next weekend to determine who moves into the state championship contention.
More on Chicago Sun
Bruiser in Broden. IHSA football playoffs: "Unstoppable" Broden Mackert scores 3 TDs as Providence tops Morgan Park in 2nd round.@Pzready with the story for #TribSuburbanSports.@CelticsFootball @BrodenMackert @braydenmckay27 @dominicvita26https://t.co/U86Pil2WCk
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