RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The football season has come down to one game for the Randolph Ro-Hawks, who host rival Cole High at 7:30 p.m. tonight with a playoff berth riding on the outcome.
Randolph (4-5 overall, 3-2 District 27-2A) must win against Fort Sam Houston-based Cole tonight to become one of the three teams to advance to the postseason. Already, Blanco High has clinched the district championship. Cole, Randolph and Comfort High are still alive for the other two berths.
"It will be a good game because it's a rivalry and both teams are going to be pumped up," said RHS head coach Pete Wesp.
Cole has lost only once in 27-2A play, to powerhouse Blanco High. Randolph overcame a 1-5 start to its season and has won three straight, including last week's 49-20 road victory at Johnson City.
Cesar Ledesma and Josh Dodgen combined for 18 tackles, with eight for losses. Each player batted down a pass attempt and Nic Walters grabbed two interceptions for the Ro-Hawks.
"Johnson City (1-4, 1-8) is a young team and they played well in spots," Wesp said. "Getting a win on the road is always nice, though."
Senior tailback Deron Terrell was sturdy on offense, with 23 carries for 209 yards and multiple touchdowns. Randolph had a 21-7 lead at halftime and never looked back.
Kyle McNally and Mark Hopkins had pass receptions but Randolph threw just six times all evening. Danny Atalig was the team's second leading rusher with 69 yards.
This week's regular-season finale with Cole will, if nothing else, make for good attendance at Mickler Memorial Stadium.
"Cole (4-1, 5-4) looks a lot like we do," Wesp said. "We expect them to try and get to the outside, just as we like to do. It will be an interesting game."