Titans Win First Two Games
Hunter Langley
Parker-Gray Memorial Stadium was packed as T.C. football kicked off the football season on August 24th. The student section extended all the way to the top of the bleachers, full of energetic fans ready to see the Titans in action for the first time since the 32-18 loss to Lake Braddock last year in the playoffs that ended the season at 7-4.
The Titans faced off versus the Osbourn Park Yellow Jackets, and won by a score of 65-32. T.C. completed the first half with a strong 32-24 lead with the arm of senior quarterback Jack Rossi and the speed of junior running back Anthony Eaton.
A stout defense in the second half only allowed 8 points, Sophomore cornerback Aumari Gary said, “We have a lockdown defense.”
Clock management was provided by the second half option rushing offense anchored by quarterback, junior Ricardo Ross. The option is where the quarterback has the option to run it himself or pitch it to the running back.
Backup running back, sophomore Michael Honesty said, “The two QB system is going to work out great for the rest of the year with Ricardo on the ground and Rossi throwing it over the top.”
Osbourn Park looked competitive in the first half only trailing by 8 points with the running of sophomores Keyon Avila and Jordan Barnett. After a bad 3rd quarter they subbed in backup quarterback senior Casey Blankinship who went 0 for 6 with an interception that sealed a T.C. victory.
There are a lot of positives to take away from game one. The defense looked good and maybe even better than last year. They seemed to be more athletic with better instinct. Anthony Eaton did a fantastic job running and catching the ball amassing 233 total yards and 6 touchdowns.
The return game led by Tavarus Brown and Robert Longerbeam was great when they were able to secure the football with 258 return yards between them. An offensive lineman said, “The offensive line did well sticking together as one cohesive unit and not backing down to the fight.”
The Titans had far too many drops and turnovers, which shifts the momentum of the game, with three fumbles between the quarterbacks and a handful of drops from the wide receivers. Poor special teams coverage and tackling were able to keep Osbourn in the game although those issues got resolved after halftime.
The next week T.C. played Gar-Field High School, a team looking for revenge after a 49-0 humiliation last year at T.C. field. On August 31st, on Gar-Field’s home field the Titans beat them for the second year in a row with a score of 34-13.
Running a two Quarterback system again this time with both looking good throwing the football. Junior Ricardo Ross shined behind great offensive line play with 151 yards in the air and 127 yards on the ground with 3 total touchdowns.
Former T.C. Quarterback and holder of many passing records Diondre Charlton said, “I feel like both of them are good quarterbacks, They have experience on the Varsity level to lead the team to victories. They have a high powered offense with them two at QB. This year should be great for them”.
Eaton impressed again with 123 yards rushing and a touchdown. Junior wide receiver Robert Longerbeam showed great speed leading the team with 63 yards and a touchdown along with 15 punt return yards.
It was almost all positive for this game with shutdown defense and the offense staying in rhythm despite not one but two lightning delays for the win over the Gar-Field High School Indians.
Principal Peter Balas said, “I am impressed with their wins so far and hope to continue on that trajectory.”
