Through the first two weeks of the season, the Randall Raiders seem to have both sides of the ball clicking and that showed in its entirety during a 58-0 blowout win over Monahans in the home opener Friday night at Happy State Bank Stadium.
Through the first eight quarters, the Randall offense is showing great balance and the potential to put up the points already totaling 102 combined in wins over Plainview and now Monahans.
“I like the way we’ve been getting out to fast starts,” Randall head coach Dan Sherwood said. “We’ve been able to execute on offense and we’re moving the ball methodically. I’m good with that. We’re taking chunks and then busting off big plays. Everyone is doing what they are supposed to and doing a great job physically. We have strides to make but I’m pleased right now.”
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This contest against Monahans (0-2) was never close. The Raiders (2-0) broke it open going up 30-0 by halftime with a dominant ground attack and solid pass game. Quarterback Kaison Benton had his second straight outstanding performance. The senior dual-threat quarterback had a near perfect night through the air going 19-of-22 for 252 yards with three touchdowns. He didn’t have to do as much on the ground as last week but did rush for 24 yards.
“Kaison is showing what he can do,” Randall head coach Dan Sherwood said. “He is showing you he can stretch a defense and beat them in multiple ways. He knows where everyone is on the football field, and he is a commander of this offense. He makes it so difficult for the opposing team, and he just does his job. What I watch the most and I love the most is he celebrates everyone else. He is always cheering his teammates.”
Phoenix Sherwood and Drayden Ray were big time targets for Benton. Sherwood caught six passes for a game-high 122 yards with a touchdown. Ray added 51 yards with a score. Nolan Chavira and Braylen Preciado led the ground attack. Chavira had 54 yards rushing on five totes with a TD while Preciado had 48 yards. Ray added 31 yards on the ground.
The Raider defense did their job and then some. Monahans never got anything going against Randall as the Raiders limited the Loboes to 155 yards of offense. Linebacker Brekken Ireland had a fumble recovery, scoop and score for a touchdown along with nine total tackles. Teammate Drayven Patton was all over the place finishing with a game-best 18 tackles with a pair of interceptions.
“This defense is starting to come into their own,” Sherwood said. “They are relaxing and playing free. They all trust each other and aren’t holding anything back. We are taking big steps but like the offense we just need to keep cleaning things up and keep getting better.”