CARL ALBERT TITANS
Coach: MIKE DUNN
14-0
OFFENSE
On the heels of what is arguably the best season in school history, the Titans are locked and loaded to repeat. Skill talent abounds, even with the departure of starting quarterback Kevin Sperry, who transferred to Denton, TX-Guyer. Daniel Newton (6-0, 200, Sr.) combined for more than 1,500 yards of total offense and 18 touchdowns last year at Edmond Santa Fe. He will lead an offense that features three University of Oklahoma commits who terrorized Class 5A a year ago. The dynamic Trystan Haynes (6-2, 180, Sr.) is a two-way starter and a special team’s assassin. Haynes topped the 1,000-yard mark as a receiver to go with 13 touchdowns. He’s scored another 13 touchdowns in his high school career on kick and punt returns. Trynae Washington (6-4, 215, Sr.) had 897 yards receiving and eight touchdowns in 2023. He also averaged 40 yards per punt in the rare occasion the Titans needed it. Tight end Marcus James (6-4, 225, Sr.) hauled in the game winning touchdown pass on 4th down in Carl Albert’s closest call, a 24-21 win at Guthrie. Maddux Wilkerson (6-4, 255, Sr.) adds versatility to the offense as a second tight end. Head coach Mike Dunn can use a number of players to carry the football. A newcomer, a move-in and a pair of full-time defensive stalwarts are all available at running back. L.T. Simmons (5-6, 190, Sr.) combined for 802 yards of total offense last year at Choctaw. Delijah Matthews (6-0, 170, So.) showed flashes of greatness in the spring and at team camp. Caden Davis (6-0, 210, Sr.) and Carl’veon Young (6-4, 215, Sr.) are available when needed, especially in short yardage situations or ball control. Cody Voelker (6-2, 225, Sr.) is the lone returning starter on the offensive line. He will move to center, after grading out at 88 percent last year at right tackle. Thomas Welch (6-0, 270, Jr.) and Nick Hill (6-0, 305, Jr.) were both starters at Bishop McGuinness last year. Hill brings incredible strength and is already one of the strongest players on the team as evidenced by a 565-pound squat. The Titans skill talent might be the best in any classification in Oklahoma. The line should fill in and make this unit incredibly difficult to stop.
DEFENSE
In the words of head coach Mike Dunn, “Caden Davis is rewriting the defensive record books for Carl Albert.” Davis led the state with 22 sacks as a sophomore and followed up with an All-State performance as a junior, with 185 tackles, 25 tackles for loss and ten sacks. Marcus James wasn’t far behind with 122 tackles and 23 tackles for loss. And the Titans might be even better in the secondary. Trystan Haynes had two pick sixes a year ago with 68 tackles while Trynae Washington added three interceptions and 62 tackles. Deontra Dukes (5-10, 165, Sr.) was injured most of last season. He had a great playoff run and saved his best performance for the title game against a talented Del City receiving corps. He will start at cornerback. Carl’veon Young is a force in the middle of the field. He’s wide ranging and physical and can step up or back based on formation. Lebron Royal (6-1, 205, Jr.) brings a high motor to defensive end. He’s one of many new faces expected to play feature roles on the defensive front. Thomas Welch, Nick Hill and Maddux Wilkerson are all in the picture with newcomers Kathan Pierucci (6-0, 240, So.) and Joe Thomas (5-11, 200, So.). Perucci and Thomas flashed great pass-rushing presence from the down position during team camp. The Titans are loaded once again. All of Class 5A will be challenged to keep Carl Albert away from its 20th state championship.
