RCHS makes Gaston pay for its turnovers

The RCHS Tigers put to rest any doubts about their making the postseason with a 21-0 win over 1A Gaston on Friday night. The win, combined with losses by Ranburne and Ohatchee, gave RCHS the No. 3 seed out of 2A, Region six and a first round match-up on the road against Section.

Quarterback Quinton Prothro had a hand in all three of Randolph County’s scores as he ran for two touchdowns and passed for another.

RCHS entered the game tied for third place in the region and with a possibility of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2001. But the Tigers, who had lost three of their last four games after starting 5-0, got big plays when they needed them on both sides of the ball. Prothro and the Tigers turned three Gaston turnovers into 21 points.

They got on the board following a recovered fumble, after which Prothro broke loose for a 24-yard run and a 6-0 RCHS lead.

The score remained the same until RCHS sniffed out a Gaston fake punt attempt midway through the third quarter. They capitalized on that turnover as well, this time on a 27-yard touchdown pass from Prothro to Robert Jeter.

With the defense holding firm all night, the Tigers put the game out of reach after an interception.

Prothro scored on the ensuing possession on a 4-yard run to give RCHS a 21-0 cushion.

RCHS is the third seed for the second straight season. Last year they lost in the first round to Fyffe.

They will travel to Section on Friday with kickoff set for 7 p.m.