Editor’s Note: This article was updated from a prior version to reflect the results of the Roxbury game on Sept. 8. More in-depth coverage of that game is to come.
Randolph Football has had a mixed start to the season, going 1-2 with an early win against Malcolm X Shabazz (42-40) on Friday, Aug. 25 and losses to Mount Olive (34-12) on Friday, Sept. 1 and Roxbury (34-0) on Friday, Sept. 8.
Reliable returning players include seniors Jesse Wilfong, James Kleiven and Brandon Gharary. Juniors Dean Mangiocavallo, Cole Cabatic, Ryan Collins and Jack Manolis also have experience on the field.
New standout players this season include breakout quarterback senior Josh Anderson, Brody Koepke, Kaeson McCall, Joey Viespoli and junior Gideon Ochieng.
Randolph loses to Roxbury, 34-0, on Friday, Sept. 8
Randolph’s defense was unable to stop the Gaels as they quickly took advantage of the Rams, scoring three touchdowns in the first half.
The Ram’s offense was not able to keep up with the Gales; rushing only 77 yards and receiving 47 yards, not scoring a single touchdown or field goal throughout all four quarters.
Roxbury scored two more touchdowns in the second half of the game, winning 34-0.
Randolph loses @ Mount Olive, 34-12, on Friday, Sept. 1
Mount Olive came off strong in the first quarter, scoring their first touchdown within minutes. Randolph quickly retaliated as Wilfong scored, ending the first quarter 6-7.
The Rams were not able to find footing after that initial run, allowing two more Mount Olive touchdowns in the first half.
“We need to do a better job offensively, get first downs, and run our offense mistake free,” Nahan said. “Defensively we need to tackle much better. On special teams that needs to be the element that changes the games, our ball placement and pinning teams deep.”
In the third quarter, the Rams made close attempts for a comeback, but both teams went scoreless.
Despite a Randolph touchdown in the fourth from junior William Varanelli, the Rams were not able to come back, losing 34-12.
“I want to see a fast start. We can’t keep trying to play from behind,” Nathan concluded.
Randolph beats Malcom X Shabazz, 42-40 on Friday, Aug. 25
Randolph began their home opener with a bang as Wilfong connected with Anderson for the first touchdown of the year.
However, the game went downhill for the Rams as they allowed Shabazz to score five touchdowns in the first half, while Randolph only scored two.
“We turned over the ball three times in the first half; that’s three extra opportunities for the other team to score and take our offense off the field,” Coach Will Nahan explained.
Randolph was able to impressively come back after half time. Wilfong and Anderson both rushed for a touchdown in the third, closing the score below a 10-point deficit.
In the fourth quarter, Anderson and Wilfong added one more touchdown each to make an incredible comeback win of 42-40.
Randolph’s defense was able to shine, only allowing one touchdown in the whole second half, with a game saving interception from Kleiven.
“In the second half we played a much cleaner game” Nahan continued. “The best thing we were able to do is just stay positive and keep our energy”
The Rams hope to come back from their back-to-back losses on Friday, Sept. 15, at home against Roxbury. To purchase tickets, go to https://randolphathletics.rschoolteams.com/.
