RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Randolph High earned a playoff spot last week after defeating Cole High, 42-12.
Cole High intercepted a long RHS pass attempt, but Randolph got the ball back and scored on an 18-yard touchdown reception by Brandon Mackin to start pulling away for good. Mackin played well on both sides of the ball, and recovered a fumble just moments before his big catch.
"Mackin started the season as a tackle, but moved to tight end," Randolph head coach Pete Wesp said. "He's helped us there and I think that's where we got the edge on Cole the other night - with the quick-hitter, long pass plays. Kyle McNally had two catches on that same play during the game and it was a big night for Kyle, too.
"I thought our entire team, on both sides of the ball, had one of their best games all year."
Randolph held Cole scoreless in the second half and earned the program's sixth straight 2A playoff berth. The Ro-Hawks (5-5) will play Karnes City at 7:30 p.m. tonight at Southside Stadium, in the first round of the postseason.
Senior runner Deron Terrell capped a productive regular-season with 16 carries for 139 yards and three touchdowns in the finale. Terrell and the Ro-Hawk offense picked up several key first downs to keep the clock moving and help salt things away in the second half.
Cesar Ledesma, a three-year RHS starter, finalized his senior regular season with 14 tackles, two fumble recoveries and four stops for losses. McNally, Kory Kuhl and Josh Dodgen each had 11 tackles while Danny Atalig had 12.
McNally and Mackin each caught three passes, with McNally and scoring twice on aerials from Walters. McNally and Atalig combined for over 100 rushing yards, too, as Randolph dominated all facets of the game.
Nic Walters was 7-for-15 passing with an interception, but Randolph ran for nearly 300 yards and only went to the air in spots. Walters was picked-off on a bomb play during the third quarter as the Ro-Hawks tried to expand their 21-12 halftime lead but an interception by RHS's Mark Hopkins and the overall defensive dominance rendered such plays meaningless.
Randolph faced Karnes City earlier this year, losing 21-8. Wesp said the Ro-Hawks will need to avoid fumbles and interceptions if they are to win on the neutral turf at Southside Stadium.
"We were inside the 20-yard line several times (against Karnes City) but turnovers stopped each of those drives," Wesp said. "It helps to have played them before, but we'll need to play better than the last time."
The winner of Friday's playoff game will face the winner between Little River Academy and East Bernard.