Published: August 27, 2007 11:44 am            

Titans at the top again

The Carl Albert Titans are at the top again.

The Titans, who now possess nine school state titles, are the defending state champions after defeating Lawton MacArthur 14-10 in December for the Class 5A crown.

That means the Titans are on everybody’s list with an effort to dethrone them.

“We get everybody’s best,” Titans head coach Gary Rose said. “Fourteen kids back is a whole lot of kids back. We’ll have a chance (to win state) again, but nothing will be given to us.”

The extremely explosive David Oku is back at tailback and last year’s quarterback Joe Stoner will play a little under center and in a variety of places.

“Joe’s talents are so diverse that he’s dangerous at fullback, tailback, slot back and defense as well. If we’re in our two-back set, we can put him in all kinds of places.”

Robert Kizer, who missed some football time last season, is coming back full throttle for his senior year. He already has experience at QB as a sophomore which gives Rose the option to use Stoner in special ways. Also, standout athlete J.T. Realmuto can step in at quarterback as a sophomore and play linebacker as well.

Rose feels junior Daytawion Lowe is one of the best defensive backs in the state and will play at tailback as well.

Playing nose guard last fall was 6-1, 300-pound Pierre Alexander, who will move to the offensive side of the line this year.

“Losing Eddie (Lolofie) and Ryan [(Marshall) to graduation], our tackles were really good. So, we moved him over to help out there,” Rose said. “As the year goes on, he can be a really dominating offensive tackle if he wants to be.

“Senior Tyler Harrison will be the other tackle and is inexperienced, but he gives us great effort and has paid his dues and we think he’ll help over there too.

“I think if our offensive line develops we can be pretty good offensively. What we got to do is find out what we can do and do it great. Senior Matt Koivisto returns at center and Daniel Morton at right guard. They were real pleasant surprises and are doing a good job.”

Also returning on offense are tight ends Christian Smith and Zach Aylor along with wide receiver Jorel Jasper.

In 2006, the Carl Albert offense was so good, it racked up over 50, even 60 points in contests.

“We don’t ever want to score 50 points,” Rose said. “That’s embarrassing to the other team. But, on the other side, our goal is to win.”

With so many fiery components in place, it looks as though the defending state champions can score with last year’s squad.

“We’re not in as good of shape as we need to be right now,” said Rose. “It’s a journey that has a lot more steps in it before we get where we need to be.

“We are ahead of schedule with the installation from the spring. Once it’s installed, you work on execution and get better at it.

“Last year we were very good at the sweep play and the G play (QB runs down the line).”

Defensively, Rose is big on cornerback Ozell Littleton, defensive end Kalub Berry, linebacker Tyler Berle and defensive tackle Jahramy Fletcher.

Newcomers to watch include wide receiver Morgan Christy, TE/DE Gatlin Arnold, lineman Tyler Still, WR/CB Markell Walker, WR/TB Travante Porter, FB/SS Jared Porter and FB/LB Eli Natividad.

As for the kicking/punting duties, Rose feels that Craig Turbyfill has a legitimate chance to break all school records.

The state champion Titans finished 13-1 last year with their solo loss at Tulsa Washington 38-35. Carl Albert will open up at home with the Hornets on Aug. 31.

Guthrie and Carl Albert are touted as the favorites in the district.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.