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RANDOLPH – After arguably getting the two toughest games on their schedule out of the way, the Randolph Cardinals football team can get down to business of making a final push for a hoped-for playoff spot.
That’s a departure for the Cardinals (2-4) after going 1-17 the past two campaigns combined and after last week’s 68-8 defeat to Bloomfield, now things can get very intriguing for a postseason possibility.
With a bye this week, the Cardinals will play Creighton Thursday, Oct. 5, before wrapping up the campaign with their annual clash against Wausa.
“We need the off week to heal some injuries and to work on getting their offense back into a rhythm,” Randolph head coach Mark Lech said. “Both opponents are very familiar to us and the boys will be up for both games and the teams seem evenly matched.”
The Homecoming game against the Bees was moved up due to the threat of inclement weather and the game was completed without any issues, Lech said.
“Bloomfield overmatched us from the beginning scoring 38 points in the first quarter and then coasting to an easy victory. The Bees were able to use their power running game and score on big play after big play once they broke through the defensive line. We had a hard time getting anything going offensively and that gave the ball back to Bloomfield with good field position which led to more points.
“We turned the ball over three times and had a punt blocked that also led to short field for the Bees. Bloomfield was big up front on both sides of the ball and was constantly harassing our quarterback leading to the (three) turnovers.”
Gage Jensen said the team went into the game a bit tight due to the tough task at hand.
“We had a new defense that was running OK and everything was going OK for the first little bit,” Jensen said. “Then it kind of just got away from us and then everybody, of course, just got down even more so.”
Jensen also admitted that he wished the team had gotten more out of the opportunity to play another elite D2 team.
“We’re still planning on winning our next two varsity games,” Jensen said. “So, everybody’s still there (mentally). There’s a possibility (of the playoffs) but it would be a lot better to get two wins just to secure it. I do think they’re very good matchups.”
