Midwest City Carl Albert gearing up for run at Class 5A football title

The Titans bring back a loaded roster fresh off a state semifinal appearance last season.

By Ross Lovelace  

Over the next few weeks, SBLive Oklahoma will break down high school football teams from the four largest classifications in the state in anticipation of the upcoming 2022 season. Here's our look at the Midwest City Carl Albert Titans. 

HEAD COACH

Mike Dunn

2021 AT A GLANCE

Overall record: 10-3

District record: 7-0, 1st in District 5A-2

Playoffs: Lost, 27-20, to Collinsville in 5A semifinals

PLAYERS TO WATCH

QB Reed DeQuasie, 6-2, 198, Sr.

DeQuasie is one of the best quarterbacks in the state and can beat defenses in a multitude of different ways. He has a strong arm and can move the ball down the field in a hurry, but is also nimble on his feet, possessing breakaway speed in the open field.

DeQuasie’s talent was on display last season, as he amassed 2,007 yards and 18 touchdowns through the air, as well as 639 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground. He has the ability to take over games in multiple ways and should be a force on the offensive end for this Carl Albert team.

RB/LB Xavier Robinson, 6-2, 222, Jr.

Robinson has incredible size for his position and his potential is through the roof. His recruitment should really start to heat up throughout the season as he shines on the field. Last season, the bruising back tallied 704 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns as a sophomore.

In addition, Robinson has blazing fast speed for his size and will be a nightmare to bring down in 2022. He can also make plays on the defensive side of the ball as a linebacker.

Robinson will be a quick riser in the 2024 class if Carl Albert is winning games and he’s a big reason why. Keep an eye on him as a breakout star this fall.

WR Trynae Washington, 6-4, 207, So.

Washington has a chance to have a big season with DeQuasie at quarterback and the chemistry building. Washington already reeled in 500 yards and six touchdowns as a freshman, displaying one of the highest ceilings in the state at the wide receiver position. At 6-foot-4, Washington could be special.

He’s a great possession receiver and his long strides allow him to pick up speed after the catch. Washington has a great chance to play at the next level with the trajectory he’s currently on. He could be a huge part of this Carl Albert offense as just a sophomore.

DB Tashawn James, 6-2, 190, Sr. 

James will be a force on the defensive end for this Carl Albert squad, and lead the secondary with his talent and experience. Last season, James snatched two interceptions and was a great asset in coverage.

He’s also a great player to have on special teams, too, as he stole points for the Titans. Incredibly enough, James blocked seven kicks last season. His impact on the field is invaluable for this team, and he should be one of the best defensive backs in the state.

OUTLOOK

Carl Albert rode the momentum in the playoffs last season, reaching the Class 5A semifinals. While the Titans ultimately fell short, expect Carl Albert to be right back in the thick of the postseason race, as last year’s squad was young and hungry.

The Titans return a lot of firepower and should be ready to gear up for another deep run.

Xavier Robinson and Reed DeQuasie should be a devastating duo for defenses to game plan against, as the Titans can truly beat teams on the ground or through the air. You have to respect DeQuasie’s speed, too, making the Carl Albert offense that much more dangerous.

On defense, the Titans will be strong. In addition to Tashawn James, the defensive line will wreak havoc behind Brock Johnson (6-1, 215, Jr.), who totaled 47 tackles, three sacks and seven tackles for loss a season ago.

This team doesn’t have many holes, and with last year’s experience, expect a big run from Carl Albert.

COACH SAID

"We want to be efficient in the pass game and aim for a 70 percent completion rating. We'll use speed in other areas to open up the field." - Mike Dunn