Football Recap: North Providence Falls to Johnston in First Game of Season + How To Watch

North Providence had to hit the road for their first game and it wasn't the result they were hoping for. They lost 34-8 to the Johnston Panthers on Thursday. The Cougars were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Panthers apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in September of 2024.

Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Johnston to victory, but perhaps none more so than Michael Messina, who rushed for 107 yards and one touchdown on only nine carries, and also picked up 35 receiving yards and one score. Those 107 rushing yards gave Messina a new career-high. Ethan Archambeault was another key signal caller, throwing for 157 yards and three TDs.

Johnston has started the season off flawlessly and has a 2-0 record to show for it.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. North Providence will challenge Classical at 6:00 p.m. on the 19th. As for Johnston, they will square off against Coventry at 6:30 p.m. on the 19th.