Ross Fichthorn and Carter Rand lead a strong rushing attack for the Ramblers.

WINTHROP — It appears that the Winthrop football team may have a “Thunder and Lightning 2.0.”

The running back duo of Ross Fichthorn (17 carries, 141 yards, TD) and Carter Rand (15 carries, 136 yards, 2 TDs) accounted for 277 rushing yards to lead the Ramblers to a 28-12 victory over Oak Hill in a Class D season opener Friday night at Charlie’s Field.

“I think we played our hearts out today,” said Rand, a junior. “I think we were a little shaky in the first half. But we came out in the second half and made a statement.”

“We put in a lot of work in the offseason and the days leading up to (this game),” added Fichthorn, a junior. “We really executed.”

The pair have been tabbed as the replacements to the graduated Cody Cobb and Carter Rivers, who led Winthrop to the Class D South final last season against eventual state champion Wells. Fichthorn had no issues rumbling over opponents, while Rand showed quickness and good cutting technique. Both found success on sweeps to the outside throughout the game.

How did they get there?

A strong, dedicated run game. Whether it was Fichthorn or Rand, both were able to find success outside of the tackles. It helped that a sizable offensive line – Maksim Praschak, Brock Dewar, Dylan Weymouth, Glaia Ngongo, Logan Warner and Brady Shuman led the way – helped clear pathways and seal the outside lanes.

“Our O-Line did it all,” Winthrop coach Joel Stoneton said. “We’ve got to give them a ton of credit. But even further, these guys aren’t even tired. The work they put in during the summer is paying off… And also, the offense managing the ball and keeping (Oak Hill) off the field (was huge).”

Winthrop’s defense had some struggles with penalties, notably, offsides penalties. But the Ramblers made crucial plays when they were most needed.

Key moment

The Ramblers saved their best defensive moment for the fourth quarter, when outside linebacker Ben Porter strip-sacked Braden Dubuc with just over five minutes remaining, sending the fumble sailing 15 yards into the end zone. Praschak, a defensive lineman, fell on the ball in the back of the end zone for a touchdown. Porter Lavigne’s extra point capped the scoring.

“We pride ourselves on defense, and we feel that touchdown kind of put (the game) away,” Stoneton said.

What does this mean?

For Winthrop, it’s a solid start and answers some questions entering the season, namely, could the offense get moving after the graduation of Rivers and Cobb? It’s also a great surge of momentum for the Ramblers, who have a quick turnaround, as they host Mountain Valley on Thursday night.

While Oak Hill walks away with an opening loss, head coach Chad Stowell was happy with how the team competed, particularly in the third quarter, when the Raiders forced Winthrop quarterback Jacob Feith to fumble on an attempted sneak at the 1-yard line. Oak Hill recovered the ball.

“We competed our tails off,” Stowell said. “Losing (running back Colton Burnham to injury) was a huge blow. We’re just so thin right now, and we had to hodge-podge it together at that point. They battled and battled really hard. (Winthrop) is really good and it always seems to come down to the end (of the game).”

Joe Greenwood, who was used at both running back and as a quarterback in the “Wildcat” formation, showed toughness and was able to pick up good chunks of yards on the ground.

Statistical leaders

Winthrop: Fichthorn (17 carries, 141 yards, TD), Rand (15 carries, 136 yards, 2 TDs)

Oak Hill: Dubuc (6 of 8 passing, 72 yards, TD), PJ Smith (4 receptions, 51 yards, TD), Greenwood (21 carries, 97 yards, TD)

Next opponent

Winthrop: vs. Mountain Valley on Thursday (7 p.m.)

Oak Hill: vs. Morse on Sept. 13 (1 p.m.)