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Official Home of the Randolph Oilers |
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2011.Recap
The 2011 Randolph Oilers were a much better team than their 4-6 record would indicate.
The team faced several significant obstacles from the get-go in 2011:
(i) with the Randolph High School stadium under construction ($3m in renovations which are now complete and the Oilers are excited to have their home turf back in 2012), the team played all 10 games on the road.
(ii) the team was @ 1-2 more starting offensive linemen away from being able to impose its will on offense (the Oilers had 5 excellent o-linemen, but no depth which created challenges whenever any of the starters would get hurt or missed a game).
(iii) the Oilers had the toughest schedule in the league. being in the South Division meant facing defending league champ Taunton twice, perennial powerhouse Middleboro twice, and upstart Brockton twice. The Oilers were 0-6 in those games, but 4-0 against everyone else. All 3 of those teams made the playoffs. The Oilers proved they could hang with the Gladiators, Bucs, and Cobras, but need to cut down on turnovers in order to be able to beat the best teams in the league.
The Oilers displayed a lot of character in 2011. They never gave up in any game, always battled to the end, and always stayed together as a team. They always had each others back, always supported one another, and always found a reason to celebrate at the VFW post-game.
The Oilers have always prided themselves on being a family under the leadership of Peter and Marge O'Kane (who have owned the team since its inception in 1974) and the 2011 team was no different. The Oilers players and coaches consider themselves brothers, and that was evident during a challenging 2011 season. They stuck together through the wins and losses, and have a great foundation to build on for 2012.
At times the Oilers offense in 2011 showed signs of explosive potential. Consistency and depth on the o-line were the only things holding back the offense.
* click on the name of any player for a link directly to that player's personal Oiler profile.
QUARTERBACKS
At quarterback, the Oilers have the luxury of two starting caliber quarterbacks. Ryan Myers is the heart and soul of the team, and is also a former EFL Offensive MVP of the Year. James Merrick is several years younger than Myers, and in game situations over the last two seasons he has demonstrated that he has the arm, leadership, toughness, and smarts to be a starting qb in the EFL. In 2011 Myers was injured in game 5, and Merrick took over for the next few games, and then they split time during the final few games of the year. Both Myers and Merrick had solid seasons.
Ryan Myers James Merrick
RUNNINGBACKS
At running back in 2011 the Oilers had a dynamic 1-2 punch in Leon McBean and Brooks Payne. Although not the largest backs in the league, both McBean and Payne have the toughness to run between the tackles and take on defenders head-on. And they both have explosive speed and the ability to make defenders miss. Combined the two rushed for over 10 tds in 2011 and over 1,000 yards. FB Frank Gaudette is a savvy veteran who is equally adept at running the ball as he is at laying down textbook blocks in pass protection.
Versatile newcomers John Guy and Tim Millerick, in addition to each playing linebacker, they both filled in at times at running back. Guy showed a nose for the endzone in scoring several touchdowns, while Millerick displayed speed, vision, and power in picking up several crucial first downs throughout the season. Other newcomers RB Clyde Love and FB Leonard Taylor are expected to make significant contributions in 2012.
Richie Johnson, who joined the team in mid-season, brings exceptional speed and athleticism and toughness to the team. In 2011 he played primarily defense, but in 2012 with a full training camp to learn the offense he will have the opportunity to contribute at wide receiver and running back—the position in which he starred at Brockton High and Merrimack College.
Brooks Payne Leon McBean Frankie Gaudette Clyde Love Tim Millerick
Leonard Taylor Charles Thomas John Guy Richie Johnson Wilbert "Brick" Powell
WIDE RECEIVERS
At wide receiver, the team has its deepest receiving corps in many years. The group is led by perennial All Star Will Price who had another outstanding season in 2011. He led the team in touchdowns, receiving yards, and receptions. He also was once again dynamic as a punt and kickoff returns, frequently setting the team up with outstanding field position thanks to his fearless returns. Complementing Price's explosive speed at wide receiver is the sure-handed Matt "Rootin' Tootin'" Boutin one of the most reliable pass catchers the Oilers have had in many years. Boutin combines great hands with crisp route running and an unmatched dedication and work ethic making him one of the indispensable players on the team.
Vinny Ventosi and Matt Trainor both returned to the Oilers in 2011 after being away for several years, and made immediate contributions. Ventosi with his blazing speed was a deep threat and provided a veteran presence to the receiving corps. Trainor with excellent size was a matchup nightmare in the redzone, and also made numerous big catches to keep the chains moving on 3rd and long.
1st year Oiler Derek Macqueen was a valuable contributor, running precise routes and displaying extremely reliable hands. Also new to the team were Shawrod Heyward and Devon Martinez, who both posses blazing speed and should figure more prominently into the offense in 2012. In 2011 they both were valuable contributors on special teams. A pre-season injury to Steve "Wofpack" Marinilli robbed the team of one of its most unselfish and reliable contributors in 2011, but the team hopes to have Wolfpack back and healthy in 2012.
Will Price Matt Boutin Vinny Ventosi Matt Trainor Derrek Macqueen
Shawrod Heyward Devon Martinez Steve "Wolfpack" Marinilli
OFFENSIVE LINE
Talent wasn't an issue for the Oilers offensive line in 2012, the problem was depth. The Oilers starting 5 in 2011 were amongst the most talented in the EFL, with all 5 members having been named EFL All Stars at some point in their career. Unfortunately due to injuries and the occasional personal commitment the Oilers were only able to line up their full starting 5 in around half the games. And in a division that boats 3 of the best defensive lines in the EFL (Brockton, Middleboro, and Taunton) offensive line depth is a must.
At the left tackle positions veteran T.D. Thompson returned for what could be (?) his final season and once again helped lead by example with his toughness, athleticism, and relentlessness. At right tackle the team welcomed back Big Pete Hogan. Pete, one of the strongest players in the EFL, provided solid blocking in both the running and pass games and the line benefited tremendously from having him back. At the left guard position perennial All EFL performer Kevin Clark brings unmatched nastiness and a non-stop motor, and is a crushing blocker. Right guard Tom Deegan returned to the team in 2011 after several seasons away and the line benefited greatly from his veteran savvy and flawless technique, and pure brute strength. Center Brian Burns, one of the most underrated linemen in the EFL, once again anchored the line with his road-grading blocks in the running game.
Newcomer Joe Baptiste joined the team late in the season and displayed tremendous potential with great size, strength, and nimble feet.Veteran Kevin Boyle remains one of the most committed and dedicated players on the team, as he continues to battle through several knee injuries. The Oilers key to the 2012 season will be adding offensive line depth. Honorary mention go to 3 defensive linemen--- Byron Goss, Mike Wright, and Larry Tagger who all filled in admirably and unselfishly on the offensive line when needed.
LT T.D. Thompson LG Kevin Clark C Brian Burns RG Tom Deegan RT Pete Hogan
Byron Goss Joe Baptiste Mike Wright Larry "LT" Tagger
The Oilers returned significant defensive talent in 2011, and were able to enhance the defense with offseason acquisitions. The defense under the guidance of Jonathon Gates and Al Lockhart had another solid season, and was able to keep the Oilers in just about every game. The Oilers defense once again lived up to its motto of "full tilt, full time."
DEFENSIVE ENDS
The Oilers pass rush improved dramatically as the season went on. Leading the charge was defensive end De-yoman Nelson, who joined the team early in the season. Upon being inserted into the gameplan Nelson was an absolute force, applying constant pressure on opposing qbs, and had several multi-sack games. Returning veterans Mile Farley and Billy Mallory provided consistent and physical play. Mallory, one of the leaders on the team, helped set the tempo with his heady play against both opponent’s run and passing games. Farley continues to develop an array of moves to go with his exceptional speed and power, and consistently provides qb pressure.
Late in the season longtime Oiler Jesse Barboza-Penn interrupted his career as professional heavyweight boxer to rejoin the team and added a heightened level of intimidation and nastiness, and play-making ability to the defense. Rookie Brendan Sherwin showed great promise early in the season, but his season was cut short due to a back injury.
Billy Mallory De-yoman Nelson Mike Farley Jesse-Barboza-Penn Brendan Sherwin
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
The Oilers boast a talented and deep defensive line. The defensive tackle rotation of Karl “Sweet Tea” Wells, Marcus “Mighty Joe” Barrow, Byron “Shrek” Goss, and Mike “GI Joe” Eshner, is one of the best in the EFL.
Wells has been an EFL All Star in each of his 3 seasons, and brings a lethal combination of brute strength and play making ability. Barrow, perhaps the strongest defensive tackle in the EFL, is extremely hard to block and a major force in the run game. Shrek is the consummate professional who brings it on every play. Eshner brings a combination of size, strength, technique, and a non-stop motor befitting of his US Army background.
Veteran Matt "Tree" Stokes, made the switch from offensive line to defensive tackle, but his season was cut short due to a shoulder injury. Johnny Moss returned to the Oilers after a several year hiatus and was able to enhance the Oilers's run stuffing during the first part of the season.
One of the most diversely talented players on the team is Mike Wright, who also won the EFL Comeback Player of the Year Award in 2010 after serving his country in the US Marines with tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. As an Oiler in 2011, Mike showed his diversity, strength, team focus, and overall talent by helping the team at numerous positions. In 2011 Mike played Tight End, Defensive End, Defensive Tackle, Offensive Guard, Fullback, and Runningback. And he played each position with his trademark intensity and passion. Mike leaves everything he has on the field, playing with unmatched heart and spirit. And to boot he is exceptional at every position he plays. Unfortunately Mike's season was cut shorty in 2011 due to injury.
Marcus Barrow Karl Wells Mike Eshner Byron Goss
Matt "Tree" Stokes Mike Wright Johnny Moss
LINEBACKERS
The Oilers linebacking corps was led by perennial EFL All Star Colby Gallagher, and returning stalwart John Martel. Gallagher, an All Star in every season he has been in the EFL, is one of the most consistent linebackers in the league and sets the tempo for teh entire defense. Martell, one of the most ferocious hitters in the EFL returned to the Oilers after a few seasons away and made an immediate impact with his intensity and thunderous tackling. Newcomers Tim Millerick and John Guy added much-needed depth to the position. Guy & Millerick both made numerous big plays and were key members of the defense, in addition they each displayed their versatility by also assisting the offense when needed at running back (a position they each played in college).
The Oilers also received partial season contributions from Jabari Prince, Larry Tagger, and Alex Kershaw, but due to work/school/family commitments none of teh 3 were able to play a full season. Jabari Prince is one of the most talented players in the EFL and one of the most intimidating. Larry Tagger, an EFL legend, showed his versatility and football acumen by helping the team at several positions in 2011. One of the best defensive players in EFL history, Tagger continued to prove he is an ageless wonder, helping the team wherever needed- be it at linebacker, defensive end, or offensive tackle. His leadership and spirit is unmatched. Like LT, Alex Kershaw is also an extremely versatile and gifted athlete. In 2011 he played linebacker, defensive back, and wide receiver. He scored touchdowns on offense and defense while proving to be one of the fastest and skilled players in the EFL. His 2011 season was cut short due to school commitments, but the Oilers hope to have Alex back for at least part of the 2012 season.
Colby Gallagher John Martell Tim Millerick John Guy Jabari Prince
Larry "LT" Tagger Alex Kershaw
DEFENSIVE BACKS
The Oilers secondary in 2011 was deep in experience and playmaking ability. Led by former EFL Defensive MVP Dan "DC" Carroll, the Oilers boasted its best secondary in several seasons. DC, also known as "Touchdown Jesus", once again displayed his big play potential in 2011 coming up with numerous big plays in big situations. Giving Carroll a run for his money in the big play department was Norman Burns, who led the team in interceptions and had a knack for making big plays when the team needed it the most. Johnny Epps continues to defy the human aging progress, and well into his 40's he remains one of the fastest defensive backs in teh entire EFL as displayed during his 70 yard interception return for a touchdown ve Hyde Park.
Mark Royster and Joe Buckley are talented veterans who simply know how to play defensive back and make tackles. Both are hardworking veterans who helped solidify the defensive backfield for the Oilers, and are never reluctant to drop the shoulder and lay the boom on a receiver or oncoming runningback. Richard Ruiz was a talented mid-season addition who is expected to play a bigger role in the defense in 2012. In 2012 he added important depth and also made several huge plays on special teams.
After an extremely impressive pre-season and opening game from 1st year Oiler Anthony "Nellie" Goss, unfortunately he suffered a season ending injury early on and was lost for the season. But in his short time with the team Nellie displayed tremendous instincts, speed, and athletic ability. The Oilers hope he will be returning in 2012 and pick up where he left off. The sky is teh limit for this talented and well-liked young player. Another player lost due to injury was Olajuwam "Waterbug" Brown, who suffered a knee injury on the final play of a playoff game in 2010. Perhaps the fastest players on the Oilers, Randolph hopes he will be healthy enough to rejoin his teammates in 2012.
Dan Carroll Norman Burns Johnny Epps Mark "Bullet" Royster Joe Buckley
Anthony Goss Richard Ruiz Waterbug
SPECIAL TEAMS
Dave Canavan, one of the best punters and kickers in the EFL of his generation continues to provide stellar special teams work for the Oilers.
Dave Canavan
COACHING STAFF
The Oilers are fortunate to have one of the most devoted, dedicated, and knowledgeable coaching staffs in the entire EFL.
Ed Penn Jonathon Gates Al Lockhart Jack Mitchell
Ron Myers Don Myers Sam Penn Aaron Hollins
OWNERSHIP
The Oilers are blessed to have the same ownership and leadership for the team since it was founded in 1974. Peter and Marge O'Kane own and manage the team, and their contributions to the EFL are legendary. The Oilers are one of, if not the most continuously running semi-pro football teams in the entire country and that is a tribute to Peter and Marge.
Peter and Marge O'Kane
