Mighty Titans begin district play with the Bluejays

Gone from the visitor’s sideline is Gary Rose, but not gone are the Carl Albert Titans.

The defending 5A state champions come into Jelsma Stadium for a district showdown with the Guthrie Bluejays. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. and can be heard on Hot 93.7 FM, Guthrie Sports Page and Guthrie News Page beginning at 6:30 p.m. with the pregame. You can view the game below.

The meeting will be the 38th all-time between the schools with Carl Albert holding the series record 23-22, including last year’s 45-7 win to snap the Jays six game win streak over the Titans.

Head Coach Mike Corley took over the program after Rose announced his retirement following last season. Rose finished with a 219-60 record in 22 years and 10 state titles. However, Corley as been an instrumental part for the Titans run over the last several years as the defensive coordinator.

Carl Albert enters Friday’s game with a perfect 3-0 record and No. 1 ranking. The three wins come against tradition rich programs in Lawton, Ada and Ardmore.

Leading the offensive charge is running back Dadrian Taylor, who ranks as the state’s top rusher with 788 yards to go with 9 touchdowns. That equals out to a ridiculously 262 yards per game.

As a sophomore he rushed for 1,269 yards and 13 scores.

When the Titans decide to go to the air they like to highlight Jason Taylor. The senior has hauled in 11 receptions for 158 yards and one score. Last year during the Titans 11-1 season, he grabbed 37 footballs for 674 yards, but he specializes on the defensive side of the ball and has committed to play college football at Oklahoma State.

Deigo Richards, who had a coming out party against the Jays two years ago, and Jaedon Pool help relieve some of the pressure from Jason Taylor at the wide receiver position.

Quarterback Carter LaValley went down with a broken collarbone before week one in a scrimmage, but freshmen Ben Harris has held his own until Lavalley can return, which could come as early as Friday. Harris is completing 63 percent of his passes with four touchdowns and two interceptions.

The Titans offense averages of 303 yards on the ground and 144 yards through the air.