T.C. Williams Hopes To End Playoff Drought

There's no doubt that defeat in any sport leaves a bitter taste. But sometimes that sensation of being so close to victory, so close to taking the next step, can also be a rallying point.  

T.C. Williams fourth-year coach Dennis Randolph would like to look back on the 2009 Titans as a team that was one game away from ending a 20-year playoff drought.

The memory of last November's 27-13 loss to Robert E. Lee, which left the Titans at 5-5 and one win outside of the Virginia AAA Northern Region playoffs, is motivation as the 2010 season opens for Randolph's team.

"If we had gone 6-4 we would have been in," Randolph said. "We want to keep getting better. In order to get better we've got to make the playoffs so that's a big goal."

Reaching that goal will rest on the shoulders of the seniors, among  them, offensive tackle Jay Whitmire, defensive end Joe Massaquoi, quarterback Doug Murphy and wide receiver Will Rossi.

"They have been here four years," Randolph said. "It's time for them to step up and get the job done"

The 6-foot-7, 285-pound Whitmire, who has multiple Division I college scholarship offers, has missed some time this preseason with a sprain suffered early in a scrimmage versus Centerville. He missed the Titans' opening loss versus Robinson, but expects to be back within the next few weeks.

The Titans' spread offense will aim to throw the ball down field more this season and is led by the quarterback tandem of Murphy and sophomore Alec Grosser. Murphy has the edge in experience, having started three games last year, but Grosser's arm strength should allow the Titans more options in the passing game than last year.

Catching those passes will be lanky receivers Tyrell Sitton and Percy Haskins, along with camp standout Rossi. Rossi, whose game resembles that of a true possession receiver, has turned heads all preseason.

"He's had a good camp," Randolph said. "He can run across the middle and get open, and then when he catches the ball he's got some speed to put behind it."

When the Titans look to run the ball, Randolph will have plenty of options on the ground. Senior Mbari Casey, junior Zaquan Summers, junior Raquan Brunson, junior Mohamed Sesay, junior St. Stephen's transfer Jalani Winbush and sophomore Dealo Roberson are all expected to share the carries.

The Titans opened their season Sept. 2 with a 35-2 defeat at the hands of the Robinson Rams. It was a game of missed opportunities for the Titans, who managed just 190 yards from scrimmage, lost two fumbles and had a field goal blocked and returned 70 yards for a touchdown.

When asked if he thought the Titans' season opener at Parker-Gray Stadium was a tough test for his team, Randolph was quick to suggest that it was just another game on the schedule. 

"Everybody we play this year is tough," Randolph said. "Mount Vernon is a rivalry, Oakton, Lake Braddock, West Springfield, it just goes on. There isn't an easy game in there."

The Titans will look to get their first win of the season when they host Mount Vernon on Sept. 11. The schedule then takes them to face Oakton on Sept. 16 before returning to Patriot District play with another road game against Lake Braddock on Sept. 24.