Jake Randle’s successful move to quarterback has powered Newman’s five-game win streak

NEW ORLEANS — The plan was simple for Newman’s offense: put the best player in the backfield and snap him the ball.

That player is Jake Randle

“I did not expect him to pick up on it as fast, but it has been a pleasure to see. He’s coachable, and coachable people figure it out and make plays,” said Newman head coach Aaron Vice.

Jake Randle is a Tulane commit at running back and found out a few days before their opener against St. Charles Catholic that he would be the Greenies’ QB-1.

“I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win,” said Newman senior Jake Randle.

“I always want the ball and getting that opportunity every play. I mean, it’s been a lot of fun learning new things. I got great coaches, great, great people around me to help,” added Randle.

Newman started the year 0-2, but Randle placed his trust in the process and his development in the hands of quarterbacks coach and former Southland Conference champion Eli Sawyer.

“Our quarterback coach, Eli Sawyer, started at Southeastern the last couple of years, and has done a great job. I told him, ‘You’re going to coach him to be a quarterback; I’ll figure out the scheme,” said Vice.

Randle’s growth as a quarterback has powered the Greenies to a five-game win streak, which includes their 42-14 week nine win over Country Day, where Randle tallied 400 yards of offense with four passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns.

“I feel like I’ve got to give all the credit to our coaches and my teammates. I just trust in them, trust in their plan. And I come out and kind of do what they say, but also have fun doing it,” said Randle.

He now has Newman in position to compete for a District 10-2A title Friday night.

“There are things that we’ve done, check downs that we’ve hit and things like that, that I’ve had two or three-year starters that didn’t make those plays. So I think him just listening to the coaching and being coachable, and that’s all we can ask for. It’s been fun to watch,” added Vice.

Newman will play South Plaquemines in the district championship game Friday at 7 p.m.

You can catch highlights from that contest and much more high school football action on WGNO’s Friday Night Football, presented by the Allstate Sugar Bowl.

The show starts Friday at 11 p.m. on Nola 38, the CW. It replays at midnight on WGNO.