Ashland, VA (WWBT)- Randolph-Macon head coach Pedro Arruza had some questions surrounding his Yellow Jackets team entering the 2011 season, especially with a freshman starting quarterback and a new group of receivers. Saturday found Arruza getting answers to some of those questions, and liking what he saw.
Randolph-Macon used a balanced attack to top Methodist, 43-7, in its season opener at home on Saturday afternoon. The Yellow Jackets landed the first blow when Zac Naccarato found Kyle Norton from four yards out, giving Macon the 8-0 lead after a Norton two point conversion. After a fumble recovery in the second quarter, Thaddeus Scruggs capped off a 47 yard drive with a three yard rushing TD, and the Yellow Jackets again converted a two point conversion to take a 16-0 lead. Josh Storm then hit a 41 yard field goal, stretching the advantage to 19-0, before Methodist found the scoreboard when tight end Nathan Kindley slipped behind the R-MC defense on a play action pass and scored on a 27 yard pass from Travis Murphy, capping off the first half scoring.
The second half saw special teams step up early on. Terry Clark blocked a punt in the endzone and Norton fell on the ball for his second touchdown of the day, extending the lead to 26-7. The Yellow Jackets would score on its next three possessions to put the Monarchs away and clinch the season-opening victory.
Naccarato had an efficient collegiate debut, completing 16-of-23 passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns, one of which went to his brother, Jesse, a junior halfback. The Jackets racked up 201 rushing yards with the help of seven different players, with Drake Sanders' 65 rushing yards leading the charge.
Randolph-Macon hits the road to Averett next Saturday, before returning home on September 17 to host Shenandoah. Kickoff for next week's road game is set for 1:00 pm.
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