Carl Albert returns to familiar territory %u2014 state championship game

Quarterback Steven Thompson rushed for three touchdowns, threw for two more, and intercepted a fourth-quarter pass that sealed the Titans' seventh straight victory and a spot in the Class 5A state championship game against Tulsa East Central.

“These kids didn't give up,” Carl Albert coach Gary Rose said. “When we were 1-5, we were on them. We weren't happy. We were pushing them, and the kids really responded. They didn't get sulky and pouty.

“They've responded to all the difficult times we've had.”

Thompson has led the charge. He became a workhorse runner from the quarterback position, in line for 30-plus carries virtually every week the last two months.

He added another 32 carries for 200 yards Friday, while completing seven of nine passes for 108 yards and two second-half touchdowns.

Bryan Williams deserves a piece of the credit for the big momentum swing. He returned the opening kickoff of the second half 95 yards for a touchdown, and McGuinness fumbled the ensuing kickoff.

Moments later, on fourth-and-11, Thompson hit Hunter Gomez for a 28-yard TD, and the Titan offense was unstoppable from that point on, scoring on every second-half possession.