The T.C. Williams Titians were treated to a huge test in their season opener against the mighty Robinson Rams on Sept. 2 at Parker-Gray Stadium. In the end, it was just too tall an order for the Titans.
Two turnovers in the first quarter but the Titans in a deep hole, and they never managed to puncture the Rams' powerful defense in a 35-22 loss. The two points came late in the fourth quarter when a Robinson snap sailed over the punter's head and into the end zone for a safety.
T.C. Williams was without star lineman Jay Whitmire, who suffered a sprained ankle during the preseason and was on the sideline with a bright pink cast and crutches.
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The lone highlight of the game for the Titians came in the fourth quarter when quarterback Alex Grosser connected with Tyrell Sitton on a 55-yard reception, marking the Titians' longest play of the game.
"We are a family," Titans coach Dennis Randolph said. "Sometimes things go wrong in family, but we come together and overcome those problems."
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Randolph addressed some of the issues the team needs to improve on, such as run defense and more protection for the quarterback. Starting quarterback Doug Murphy was sacked in the second half and limped to the sidelines. He did not return.
Murphy finished the game 6 for 16 for 59 yards. Grosser was 5 for 9 for 76 yards.
Kicker Manuel Benites performed well for the Titians, pinning the Rams inside their 20-yard line with a booming kick in the second half . After the game, Robinson coach Mark Bendorf described the kicker as "excellent."
"Today, they were better than us," Randolph said. "Today only."
Randolph made sure he emphasized the word 'today,' reminding his players that their season doesn't end after one loss.