The Randolph Boys Soccer team has turned the page to a new season, currently at 5-2, with fresh leadership from senior captains Jake Rubin, Gavin Vichengrad and RJ Dougherty. Though new players have placed their arms in the armbands, the team’s mission remains the same: to get to states with determination and unity.
With three experienced leaders setting the pace, the Rams enter a new campaign hungry to build on the momentum gained from last season’s 16-6-3 record, which saw the team secure the sectional finals, advance to the final round of the NJSIAA Group 3 Tournament and battle hard before falling to Shawnee 2-0.
“Looking back on the state run, there were multiple instances where we found ourselves trailing with little time left in the game,” Dougherty said. “Our group’s perseverance and ability to work together and overcome challenges where we seemed least likely to is something we need to continue to do in this season as well.”
Vichengrad and Dougherty, both members of the varsity team since their freshman year, now step into leadership roles alongside Rubin, who made varsity as a sophomore.
“Being a captain means setting an example to the team of being not only a good leader but also a good teammate and person,” Vichengrad explained, noting that his focus is on showing consistency both on and off the field.
Rubin echoed this, emphasizing the responsibility of leading through action: “I plan to lead my teammates on and off the field this season by simply being someone they can look up to and follow, while also continuing to encourage and push them to work as hard as they can so we can have another great season this year.”
For Dougherty, the lessons from last season remain. “I would say the main lesson to take away from last year’s season was that no game is ever over,” he said.
The team mindset—playing with grit until the final whistle—will be crucial as the Rams face tough competition this fall. Their schedule features games against Chatham, North Hunterdon, Roxbury, Delbarton, Kearny and Mendham.
The Rams may be chasing wins, but their captains are focused on something bigger: building a standard of hard work, resilience and determination that will last for years to come.
