By Mukala Kabongo
NEFJ Staff
WAYLAND — Mehki White and Randolph’s rushing attack powered top-seeded Randolph to a 29-12 victory over No.4 Nashoba to punch its ticket to the Division 8 Super Bowl on Saturday.
The No.1 Blue Devils (10-1) knew they had to be fundamentally sound on both sides of the ball against a Nashoba team that had allowed only eight points this postseason. Randolph controlled this game from beginning to end by playing complementary football.
After its first drive stalled, the Randolph offensive line took full control of Nashoba’s defense on their second series of the game. White and quarterback Abraham Cornet were intricate parts of the Blue Devils’ first touchdown drive.
Cornet carried multiple defenders into the end zone to get the Blue Devils on the board. White followed suit on the next series breaking loose for an 80-yard touchdown run that put Randolph up 14-0
“I know I’m fast, I know I have speed and once I cut it back and shift the defense I know I can get to the outside quick,” said White.
Nashoba finally found its groove late in the first half. The Vikings went no huddle to give themselves an offensive rhythm, which caught the Blue Devils’ defense off guard. Chase Carney reeled in a touchdown reception to cut the deficit to 14-6 going into the half.
The Vikings opened the second half carrying the momentum. Zack Deschenes’ rushing touchdown cut the lead to 14-12, but the Blue Devils had a response. Randolph marched down the field on a time consuming drive that saw a fourth-and-short that culminated in a Cornet rushing TD.
“Great games like this against great teams like Nashoba, one or two plays can really swing the game and we were fortunate enough to make those plays,” said Blue Devils head coach Jon Marshall.
On the ensuing kickoff, the Blue Devils recovered a Vikings fumble giving, Randolph great field position.
“We were able to use field position and get a turnover on special teams and capitalize on that on offense,” added Marshall.
A few plays after the turnover, Cornet – who rushed for 43-yards on the day – found the end zone for a third time on a fourth down quarterback keeper to give Randolph a big cushion. After Cornet’s touchdown, the Blue Devils created another turnover as Nashoba was threatening to score. Defensive back Andy Vilceron intercepted a potential touchdown pass in the red zone to end the Vikings drive.
With over 300 yards on the ground – led by White’s 183 yards – Randolph is heading back to Gillette for the first time since 2021 when they won it all. Standing in Randolph’s way of another Super Bowl title is West Boylston. The D8 title game is sure to be a barn burner with the No. 1 and No. 2 teams squaring off.
“I’m really excited to play another game with my brothers,” added White. “Playing at the Super Bowl really means a lot because this will be my first time playing in the Super Bowl.”
