RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Three first-half touchdowns by Kyle McNally and the stellar defensive effort led by Cesar Ledesma powered the Randolph Ro-Hawks to a 28-14 football win over visiting Harper High School last weekend.
The Ro-Hawks (3-5 overall, 2-2 District 27-2A) got all their points in the first half and are in good shape for a playoff bid with just two games remaining in the regular season. A trip to Johnson City tonight and a home game with rival Cole are what's left for an RHS team that has shown signs of improvement each week.
"This will be the first time we've played Johnson City in two years, since the districts were realigned," said Pete Wesp, RHS head coach. "Every game continues to be a must-win for us."
Randolph scored its final touchdown on a 38-yard interception return by McNally near the end of the second quarter. Three Randolph interceptions, plus four Harper fumbles made for a forgettable evening for the visitors, who also remain in the 2A playoff hunt.
"I've been on the other end of that sort of game and it's no fun," Wesp said. "You are fighting against yourself."
Randolph quarterback Nic Walters threw just 12 times all game as the Ro-Hawks established a viable run game that carried the day. Deron Terrell and Danny Atalig joined McNally as the biggest producers on a night when the team amassed 253 rushing yards.
Terrell scored the Ro-Hawks' second touchdown and RHS was successful on a two-point conversion following a missed extra-point kick earlier in the game.
McNally, Walters and Mark Hopkins each had interceptions while Ledesma had 11 tackles, including four behind the line of scrimmage. Kory Kuhl had nine tackles and Danny Atalig had 11 in the win.
The only points for Harper (5-3, 1-3) came after a Randolph fumble set them up deep in Ro-Hawk territory. They will play an important game against Comfort High School this week as all but one of the 27-2A teams remain in the playoff hunt.