SMQ: Carl Albert-El Reno

By Ryan Aber
raber@opubco.com

I know I said it today on NewsOk and last night in the game blog but last night at Putnam City Stadium was a case of total domination.

Carl Albert 44, El Reno 7

For the second time in three playoff games, Carl Albert blew away a pretty good opponent.

Like I said before the game, the team whose quarterback played best won:

Carl Albert’s J.T. Realmuto: 14 carries, 127 yards, 4 TDs rushing; 11-16-0-132 yards passing

El Reno’s Jakeil Everheart: 17 carries, 52 yards, 1 TD rushing; 12-21-3-80 yards passing

In a battle of two really good quarterbacks, Realmuot came out on top by any measure.

Of course, El Reno’s troubles ran far deeper than Everheart and Everheart’s struggles had far more to do with Carl Albert’s defensive play than any shortcomings for him.

From the game’s first play, a Markell Walker interception of Everheart, Carl Albert dominated. Walker’s interception was one of three on the night for the Titans.

Carl Albert’s standout defensive back Dwight Dobbins did not play against El Reno after suffering an ankle injury against Tulsa Kelley but his replacement, sophomore Alex Polston, did a more than adequate job filling in.

Polston picked off Everheart early in the second quarter, setting up an eventual 1-yard touchdown run by Realmuto. He also had a reception.

Another playing stepping up a bit unexpectedly was running back Kenton Whittington. Whittington has been largely forgotten on the offensive side for the Titans after starting the season with a  big game against Tulsa Washington. Whittington moved primarily to defense at linebacker but after some other young players have filled spots over there, Whittington has bewen moved back to primarily offensive player. There’s no doubt that with things on the line, Realmuto and Tre Porter are going to be the ones getting the ball, but Whittington gives them a good third option. Lats night, Whittington finished with 115 yards — 100 in the first half.