Homer spoils Cardinal Homecoming night
Alan Dale
Randolph Times
RANDOLPH — The Randolph Cardinals fell to 1-6 overall and 0-3 in District play after Friday’s 58-20 Homecoming loss to Homer.
Homer did most of its damage in the first half as they led 44-20 at the intermission.
“We were limited due to injuries and some kids dealing with their first experience with having to make adjustments due to Covid-19,” Randolph coach Mark Lech said. “The opportunity to get a lot of playing time fell to some underclassmen that took advantage of the situation to gain some valuable experience.”
The Cards were able to capitalize early and keep the score close, but big plays were the team’s downfall.
Randolph got 135 yards rushing and three touchdowns by Justin Haselhorst to lead the Cardinal attack.
During the game, the Randolph coaches were able to move some players to some new positions to evaluate their performance, Lech said.
“This will give them a better chance to come up with the best group for the final game against Wausa,” Lech said of what ultimately is their own playoff game between the two rivals.
Randolph travels to Wausa for a Friday kickoff.
“The two teams will both be looking for their second win of the season and are not going to have any post-season games, so this should be a competitive contest to end the year,” Lech said. “We will continue to prepare for the contest with the hope that they can finish the regular season on a high note.”
Lech said his team knows they’ve been lucky to even get through the 2020 campaign.
“We have been blessed to be able to play all of our regular season games so far, as many in the area have not,” he said. “I give a lot of praise to the athletes and assistant coaches who have had to make a lot of adjustments this year to the ever-changing situations and roster. The kids have showed up week to week eager to play and have put forth maximum effort this season.”
One positive from Homecoming was the selection of team member Sam Korth as Homecoming King.
The senior decided to return to the field after sitting out last year.
“He got to play in most of the snaps on Homecoming despite not playing a lot all year,” Lech said. “It was a big night for Sam. He has been a steady presence for us this year helping in multiple situations during practice, JV games, and varsity games. I appreciate him coming back out this year and giving football another chance.”
Korth is really pleased with his decision to return to the gridiron.
“I figured I might as well do it and have fun at football and I have the rest of my life to work,” Korth, who took time off to work, said. “I am definitely glad I went back out. I have had a lot of fun. I haven’t gotten much playing time, but at least I am out there.
“I missed a lot of time spent with my teammates and I kind of got out of shape. I really wish I had gone out my junior year because I did miss it.”
Korth has embraced the opportunity his final year, but knew he had to prove himself and try to do his best at every opportunity.
That work has put him on the field in spots and then of course he had to step aside from his work out there to accept his crown as king last weekend.
“It was pretty fun, but I wasn’t expecting to win that one,” Korth said. “It feels weird because all of the girls are dressed up and they are all with their makeup and hair done and we’re all sweaty and gross.”
Randolph 8 6 0 6 — 20
Homer 8 30 0 20 — 58
RAN OSM
Passing 10-17-123 11-16-219
Rushing 4 -157 39-193
Total off 60-280 55-412
Fumbles-Lost 6 - 5 1 - 0
Turnovers 7 1
First Downs 16 20
PASSING Randolph - Tyson Junck,
RUSHING Randolph - Justin Haselhorst,
RECEIVING Randolph - T
TACKLES
Randolph - Justin Haselhorst, 8; Tristan Mosel, 7; Cadein Villwok, 5; Bryson Eledge, 5; Tyson Junck, 4; Colby Wather, 3; Joe Miller, 3; Aiden Gubbels, 2; Sam Korth, 1.
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