Under the lights on the Chandler Prep field on Friday, September 20th, the Titans played a tough game against the Trivium Knights. The Chandler Prep defense had a hard time keeping up with Trivium’s strong rushing attack, but despite the size of the Knights, the Titans had a determined mindset that forced third downs and slowed Trivium’s downhill motion. The Titans worked as a team, making tackles in groups or pairs, and they fought until the bitter end, encouraging each other and consistently pushing themselves and others to do better. After Friday’s loss, Coach Goodman learned this about his team:

“We have got a little bit more fight in us than we’ve had in the past. I don’t like to use the term ‘moral victories’ but they battled tonight. We have made up a lot of ground then we’ve had in the past tonight, so now, we’ve just got to put it together and go win the region”

The Titan offense also worked to move the chains and put points on the board. Both of the Titan running backs, Aidan Daly and Sam Martin, along with quarterback, Reese Vilaboy all piled up rushing yards and combined for the four Titan touchdowns. Vilaboy ran for 60 yards juking out the Knight’s safety for Chandler Prep’s touchdown in the first quarter, tying the game. Martin pushed himself through a number of tackles for an 11-yard touchdown in the third. Aidan Daly was named player of the game by Coach Goodman for his work as a running back and as a strong defensive player. Daly ran for over 140 yards on nine carries. He ran for an impressive 51 yards for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter, cutting the Knight’s lead as the Titans fought to come back. Daly also drove the ball in for a touchdown from the Titans 33-yard line in four consecutive carries as the clock wound down the final seconds of the game. Daly says the team can continue to work to bounce back from Friday’s loss.

“I think we are going to have to work on the little things, like turnovers, things on special teams. All those things may seem minor, but when we fix all those things and we’re ready to execute, and all do our job and be disciplined, I’m pretty sure we are going to bounce back really well.”

Titan kicker, Carson Zilmer did his job in Friday’s game, with six touchbacks and four convincing extra point conversions.

The Titans are on the road next week, Friday, September 27th at 7:00 at Miami High School. The Titans will be fighting to secure a repeat playoff spot as they begin region play. Titan Up.