Titans Need Win To Keep Unique Streak Alive

The Carl Albert High School football team will play for a Class 5A State Championship Friday Night. A win for the Titans would continue a unique streak and provide some payback in the process.

In 22 years as Carl Albert's head football coach, Gary Rose has won 9 state titles.

"We're pretty spoiled. And I think people probably think we're selfish,” said Rose.

Selfish. Or, perhaps envious -- because of all the Titans championships. But in fact, Carl Albert hasn't had a chance to win it all since 2012.

"It's really nice to be back after 4 years of not being there," said Rose.

Amazingly, this is the longest Carl Albert has gone without a title since Rose took over the program in 1995. And to end the drought, the Titans must beat Bishop McGuinness, a team that walloped Carl Albert by four touchdowns back in October.

"We're excited about a chance to redeem ourselves from not a great night over there at their place," said Rose.

The Titans came together, worked harder in practice, won 7 games in a row. They now get their rematch.

"That loss, it made us hungry. And we wanted to get better every week," Said Braden Pursell, Carl Albert wide receiver. "When we lost to them, we knew we would see them later in the year and we were hoping it would be for a gold ball and it is."

For the last 20 years under Rose, every single graduating class at Carl Albert has experienced at least one State Championship victory. The class of 2017 needs a win Friday to keep that unbelievable streak alive.

"Me and the other seniors have been thinking about it all summer and through this year. We want to make history," said Pursell.

Pursell also said very calmly that he's thrilled to be playing in his first ever state title game this week, but he’s keeping his emotions hidden.