Naperville Central’s Randolph ready for more

Posted November 12, 2011 11:00 pm

Kevin Schmit

Expect to see Naperville Central leading rusher Matt Randolph back on the field for the Redhawks’ first semifinal appearance since 2001.

Randolph, who’s rushed for 1,699 yards and 22 touchdowns, missed the second half of Saturday’s 42-14 Class 8A quarterfinal win over Homewood-Flossmoor because of a hip injury.

Redhawks coach Mike Stine said Randolph could have played in the second half, but he rested for precautionary reasons.

A 35-7 halftime lead made the decision to rest Randolph much easier.

“He could have played,” Stine said. “If the score got that close we would have put him back in. He was a little bit sore and we just decided we want to live to play another week. With the score the way it was, it wasn’t worth taking a chance with him.”

Backup running back Nick Thomas, who returned the game’s opening kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown, filled in admirably while piling up 76 yards on 12 carries.

Randolph fully plans on being back in the lineup this week.

“I’m 100 percent, I’m ready to go,” he said.

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.