Winthrop/Monmouth/Hall-Dale and Oak Hill are rivals with storied football programs, and they’re expected to be at or near the top of the Class D South standings in 2025.
The Ramblers (8-2 last season) and Raiders (5-3) both return a strong core of players, but they also must fill voids left by top stars from the past few seasons.
Winthrop is replacing its “Thunder and Lightning” running back combo of Carter Rivers and Cody Cobb, whose impact was highlighted by a combined 345 yards and five touchdowns in a 36-6 win over Dirigo in the South semifinals. Oak Hill must replace workhouse running back Kaiden Delano, who led the team to the semifinals with his blend of power and speed on both sides of the ball.
The new versions of the Ramblers and Raiders open the season against each other at 7 p.m. Friday at Charlie’s Field in Winthrop.
Winthrop will win if …
• Its new offensive backfield gets the ball moving. Ramblers coach Joel Stoneton said junior Ross Fichthorn would have been a starter last year if not for Rivers and Cobb ahead of him on the depth chart. Carter Rand, another junior who got some carries in mop-up duty last season, is a “scat-back” with good speed and cutting skills. Sophomore Tristyan Ortiz, who has a blend of size and speed, will handle fullback duties.
• The defense causes havoc. Expect the Ramblers to throw a multitude of coverages at Oak Hill (they have as many as nine in their arsenal). Stoneton returned for his second stint as Winthrop’s as head coach last season, and with a year of experience in his schemes under their belts, the Ramblers should have an easier time reacting to their responsibilities and putting pressure on the opposing quarterback.
Oak Hill will win if …
• Its new balanced offensive attack has success right out of the gates. With Delano gone, the Raiders will lean more on seniors Braden Dubuc, an experienced starting QB, and PJ Smith, a tall, dynamic receiver who can be used in a variety of ways (think Deebo Samuel of the Washington Commanders). Eli Desmond, who missed last season because of an injury, returns as another big receiving option. The Raiders hope the passing game opens up the run game. Junior Joey Greenwood, Delano’s backup last season, will get the first shot at carries in the backfield.
• The defense answers the call early. The Raiders’ biggest departures were on that side of the ball — four defensive lineman, and all three linebackers, including Delano. Smith is a key returner at defensive back, with the speed and size to blanket receivers. Oak Hill has some defensive depth and can give opposing offenses multiple looks. The key is how tough the group can be against the run.
Winthrop difference makers
• Ross Fichthorn (Jr., RB/S); Carter Rand (Jr., RB); Brock Dewar (Sr., C/LB); Ben Porter (Sr., WR/S); Brody Adams (Sr., WR/DB)
Oak Hill difference makers
• Braden Dubuc (Sr., QB/S); PJ Smith (Sr., WR/DB); Joey Greenwood (Jr., RB); Eli Desmond (Sr., WR)
Last meeting
Winthrop edged Oak Hill, 22-21, on Sept. 28, 2024.
Coach’s comments
• “Our philosophy as a program has always been, ‘One week at a time.’ If we even hear a peep of (our success) as a team, we usually stomp it out (in the locker room). Obviously, opening with Oak Hill is a huge game for us. I wish this was a little later in the season, just because it’s that first week game and you’re feeling things out. It really comes down to who makes the least mistakes. They’re extremely talented and very big. They have veterans on their side, too, so we know we have our hands full right off the bat.” — Winthrop coach Joel Stoneton
• “(Winthrop has) got some big, physical offensive linemen. I kind of admire Winthrop’s approach to football. They keep it pretty simple, but they do an excellent job at doing what they do. They’re very fundamentally sound. They’re tough. I think the running backs they have this year are tough kids. … They’re extremely aggressive (defensively) and tackle very well. Coach Stoneton coaches a very fundamentally sound team.” — Oak Hill coach Chad Stowell
