The Carl Albert Titans had a rare five loss season in 2015 and a first-round exit in the playoffs. The high school football universe appears to be back in 2016 with the Titans undefeated and considered among the best.
The Titans will display several great offensive weapons when the Guthrie Bluejays travel to Midwest City for a Friday night, Class 5A-2 showdown. Kickoff for the top 10 matchup is set for 7 p.m. and can be heard on 93.7 FM and online at Guthrie Sports Page and Guthrie News Page. Pregame coverage begins at 6:30 p.m.
Entering 3-0, Carl Albert collected non-district wins against Lawton, Ada and Ardmore. Meanwhile, the Bluejays (2-1) are coming off a bye week after suffering a 9-0 setback to Ponca City.
Johnny Bizzell is a dual-threat quarterback for the new-look Titan spread offense. Last week against fourth ranked Ardmore, he scored twice to go with 227 yards rushing, while tossing a 50-yard score.
With the rival, Guthrie fans can recall the names of J.T. Realmuto and Stevie Thompson and how dominant they were. Head Coach Gary Rose says Bizzell may be near the top with the two stand-outs.
“I’m putting him up there right now with Stevie (Thompson) and J.T. (Realmuto),” Rose told The Oklahoman following the win over Ardmore. “He’s going to keep getting better but he has that kind of ability of running our offense. That’s a lot to say that because I think that’s two of the best we’ve had since the early 2000s. He’s just doing a great job.”
The Titans will display junior Diego Richards, who had his coming out party a season ago in MWC against the Jays. He finished 2015 with 47 catches for nearly 900 yards and eight scores. The quick, shifty athlete is versatile in the running and kicking games.
The Jays defense will try to contain Braden Pursell in the passing game. The senior grabbed 25 catches for over 400 yards and three scores.
Rose directs an inexperienced offensive line that averages over six-foot and 224 pounds.
The Titan defense is once again expected to be led by linebacker R.J. Sherman, who also added scores on offense against Ardmore. The senior collected 118 tackles a season ago, but more importantly guides the Titans on the field.
With no surprise, Carl Albert is loaded with athletes in the secondary guided by junior Zane Alexander.
The Titans are projected to win the district and have the athletes to hold another gold ball come December. Guthrie will have their chance to see where they are in Class 5A with the annual showdown.
Series bragging rights
Carl Albert held a distinct advantage in the football series for decades, but the Bluejays have rallied since 2001 to tie the series at 22-22.
Prior to 2001, Guthrie won 11 contests against the Mid-Del school dating back to the first meeting back in 1968. Since 2001, the Jays have won 11 of the last 15 meetings, including the last six meetings.
1968: Guthrie 14, Carl Albert 7
1969: Carl Albert 20, Guthrie 14
1970: Guthrie 26, Carl Albert 6
1971: Guthrie 20, Carl Albert 6
1972: Guthrie 16, Carl Albert 13
1973: Guthrie 14, Carl Albert 13
1974: Guthrie 20, Carl Albert 0
1975: Carl Albert 9, Guthrie 6 OT
1976: Carl Albert 28, Guthrie 0
1977: Carl Albert 21, Guthrie 7
1978: Carl Albert 31, Guthrie 14
1979: Carl Albert 9, Guthrie 7
1980: Carl Albert 19, Guthrie 7
1981: Guthrie 23, Carl Albert 10
1982: Guthrie 35, Carl Albert 12
1983: Guthrie 14, Carl Albert 6
1984: Guthrie 19, Carl Albert 0
1985: Carl Albert 40, Guthrie 7
1986: Carl Albert 39, Guthrie 6
1987: Carl Albert 28, Guthrie 7
1988: Carl Albert 9, Guthrie 0
1989: Carl Albert 27, Guthrie 6
1990: Carl Albert 13, Guthrie 7
1991: Guthrie 19, Carl Albert 7
1992: Carl Albert 28, Guthrie 2
1993: Carl Albert 38, Guthrie 28
1994: Carl Albert 32, Guthrie 0
1995: Carl Albert 42, Guthrie 2
2000: Carl Albert 31, Guthrie 7
2001: Guthrie 23, Carl Albert 22 (Guthrie)
2002: Guthrie 22, Carl Albert 19 OT (Carl Albert)
2003: Guthrie 28, Carl Albert 21 (Guthrie)
2004: Carl Albert 25, Guthrie 7 (Carl Albert)
2005: Guthrie 33, Carl Albert 14 (Guthrie)
2006: Carl Albert 26, Guthrie 21 (Guthrie)
2007: Guthrie 24, Carl Albert 21 (Carl Albert)
2008: Carl Albert 16, Guthrie 13 (Carl Albert)
2009: Carl Albert 40, Guthrie 14 (Guthrie)
2010: Guthrie 32, Carl Albert 14 (Carl Albert)
2011: Guthrie 38, Carl Albert 35 (Guthrie)
2012: Guthrie 21, Carl Albert 17 (Guthrie)
2013: Guthrie 28, Carl Albert 21(Carl Albert)
2014: Guthrie 21, Carl Albert 6 (Guthrie)
2015: Guthrie 28, Carl Albert 17 (Carl Albert)
Be the first to comment on "Guthrie defense to be challenged by Titan offense; all-time series tied"