Randolph Football is halfway through the season at 3-3, being tested against powerhouse teams like Roxbury and Mount Olive. After leaving a large gap in their roster from last season, they have focused on a run-heavy offense, relying on star seniors Jesse Wilfong and Josh Anderson.
Week 0: Randolph Beats Shabazz, 42-40
The Rams kicked off their season in week 0 against the Malcolm X Shabazz Bulldogs. The Rams began the first half with a disappointing start, allowing the Bulldogs to score 20 points. Entering the second half, the Rams marched back, scoring an impressive 28 points, thanks to two rushing touchdowns from both Wilfong and Anderson. It was an action-packed game that started the season with some momentum.
Week 1: Randolph Loses to Mount Olive, 34-12
In the following week, the Rams faced off against their longtime rival, the Mount Olive Marauders. With both teams coming off big wins in Week 0, this game was highly anticipated and well matched. The game started off steadily after a lone touchdown from Wilfong on an 8-yard run. Looking good at the start of the game, things started falling apart as Mount Olive scored 20 points through two quarters. The Rams tried to spark a comeback, with a passing touchdown from sophomore Jackson Magley to James Kleiven, but it wasn’t enough, as the Rams lost, 34-12.
Week 2: Randolph Loses to Roxbury, 34-0
After a heartbreaking loss, Randolph had a chip on their shoulder going into a rivalry game against Roxbury. The Rams knew they had to prove themselves as a playoff contender; however, Roxbury jumped out to a 21-0 lead at half time. Roxbury reached the endzone two more times, shutting out the Rams, 34-0.
Week 3: Randolph Beats East Orange, 42–35
Week 3 was a crucial out-of-conference game against the East Orange Jaguars. The game went back and forth, with two speedy teams getting to the endzone with no problem. The Rams were the first to score, which seemed to be the game changer. Sophomore Cornerback Brody Koepke had a crucial interception in the final minutes of the game to seal the win. Followed by a Wilfong touchdown, Randolph earned their second win of the season, 42-35.
Week 4: Randolph Loses to Chatham, 28–8
Randolph felt good going up against the 1-3 Cougars, quickly taking initiative and scoring on a rushing touchdown from Wilfong. Chatham responded quickly with a two-minute drive, scoring and closing their deficit to 1 point. After the Rams’ series, their offense shut down, going scoreless the rest of the game. Chatham had other plans, soaring past the Rams secondary, winning a shocker, 28-8.
Week 5: Randolph 14 – Morristown 0
On Randolph’s senior night against Morristown, the Rams had something to prove. With everything at their back, they flipped the script. Senior James Kleiven had two touchdowns to seal their victory. After a strong defensive battle, the Rams won, 14-0, handing their first shutout to the Colonials.
For Week 6, the Rams (3-3) travel to Livingston (1-5), tonight, Friday, Oct. 6, for a 6:30 p.m. start.
