Titans win 19th title

Carl Albert rallies through tragedy for third straight title

By Jeff Harrison
Midwest City Beacon

EDMOND – Carl Albert’s football legacy continues to grow.

The Titans claimed their third consecutive gold ball Saturday night with a 30-6 win over Guthrie in the Class 5A state championship at Chad Richison Stadium.

It is the school’s 19th state title, which ties them with Ada for the most in state history.

After the win, coach Mike Dunn reflected on his playing career at Carl Albert. When he was a freshman, the school had won its fourth state championship under legendary coach Gary Rose.

“At that time, I remember thinking there’s no way anybody could ever get to 19 state championships, and now here we are,” Dunn said. “To be a player and get to do it, and now be a coach and get to do it with this group of kids and these coaches and everybody involved — it’s a dream come true.”

The Titans played with heavy hearts as they mourned the loss of Jimmy Wilkerson who passed away Friday at the age of 43. The former OU defensive end was an assistant coach for the Titans and the father of senior tight end Maddox Wilkerson. The team learned of the news Friday after attending a funeral for the brother of quarterback Daniel Newton who recently passed away.

The team responded by rallying together.

“We had a really tough day yesterday and it’s going to be hard for everybody,” said senior linebacker Caden Davis. “I’m glad we got to do this for Maddux and his family. That guy is selfless, and we love him so much.”

Senior Trynae Washington said they were encouraged to embrace the last moments together.

“We came out here and made sure we had a great time together one last time,” he said. “It was a great way to end it.”

Trystan Haynes put the Titans on top early with two touchdowns in the first quarter. The first score came on a 44-yard pass across the middle from Devin Woodring. The Titans then forced a three-and-out and Haynes returned the punt to the Guthrie 17. Woodring later hit Haynes on a short pass and the senior raced to the end zone for a 10-yard touchdown.

“I was really doing this for coach (Jimmy) Wilkerson,” Haynes said. “That gave us extra motivation, so we came out and competed harder.”

Ethan Spiwak’s extra point made it a 14-0 score with 2:58 in the opening period. With the kick, Spiwak broke the state record for most PATs. He had already set the school record for most field goals scored earlier this year.

“That’s awesome and it’s not possible without the team,” he said. “I could only do that with an amazing team like this that scored that number of touchdowns over the years.”

Spiwak rounded out the first-half scoring when he hit a 27-yard field goal with 3:50 left in the second.
Carl Albert led 17-0 at halftime.

The Titans forced another turnover to start the second half. Guthrie’s Zane Thomas fumbled in the backfield and Lebron Royal recovered near midfield.

Daniel Newton and LT Simmons moved the ball on the ground. Simmons broke a 16-yard run to the Guthrie 10. On the next play, Newton powered his way to the end zone for a 10-yard touchdown and a 24-0 lead.

Guthrie answered with their only scoring drive of the night that carried into the fourth quarter. The Bluejays converted a fourth-and-two from the Carl Albert 17. On the next play, Daelon Rice found Jace Rainwater in the end zone for a 15-yard touchdown.

A missed extra point made it a 24-6 score with 11:28 remaining in the game.

The Titans responded with a quick strike on offense. On the second play of the drive, Woodring found Todd James wide open in the middle of the field for a 57-yard touchdown play, making it a 30-6 score.

“I believed in myself all year and the coaches did too,” James said. “They gave me the opportunity to show it, and I went out and did it.”

Carl Albert closed the doors on a potential comeback by the Bluejays. Trynae Washington stopped their next drive with an interception.

The Titans couldn’t cash in on the miscue but stopped the Bluejays on fourth down to end the game.

Woodring finished the game 6 of 10 passing with 122 yards and three touchdowns.

Haynes led the team in receiving with three catches for 60 yards and two touchdowns.

Simmons ran for 73 yards on seven carries. Newton added eight carries for 48 yards and one score.

Washington had two interceptions and Cade Davis led the team with 12 total tackles.

Carl Albert outgained Guthrie 296 to 134. The Titans were penalized 13 times for 189 yards. Guthrie was flagged twice for 20 yards.