In their home opener, the Titans defeated the Panthers of Potomac Senior High (Woodbridge), 42-6. Last year, the Titans had a disappointing season but are hoping to improve upon their 3-7 record. A highlight from last season was their 22-0 homecoming shutout against Carter G. Woodson High School.

“I have high hopes for this year,” said freshman Rital Mahmoud, who watched the game from the student section. “I’m pretty excited.”

Friday night’s game theme was “blackout” for students. Their hopes and spirits were high. Standout moments from the game include a 17-yard touchdown carry by Quarterback Alpha Jalloh, as well as a sack by senior Xavier Reed on their own 3-yard line that forced a fumble and a score. Multiple interceptions, the most notable being a pick-six in the last few minutes of the game by senior Tommy Skinner, and other key plays paved the way to the 36-point victory.

Despite this home game win, the Titan’s had a rocky start with a season opener of a 32-0 loss in their first game against Lake Braddock Secondary School. However, directly following that game, the Titans were informed that Lake Braddock would have to forfeit due to an ineligible player. Because of that, the Titans start their season 2-0.

“The guys worked for the results that they got. I’m proud of them. This is why we practice so hard, to get the results that we got today,” said head coach Rodney Hughey.

The team went 0-10 in the 2023-2024 season, a far cry from a now 2-0 record so far this season.

Hughey attributed this to lessons well-learned. “The guys are just a year older. A lot of these guys have been playing since they were sophomores, and that was a team that didn’t win a game. So these guys have worked really hard to get where they are now, so I’m proud of them.”

The team played cohesively throughout the entire game, and the fans took notice.

“Their energy is up, they have a good line of offense and they are really playing their best,” said sophomore Page Vogel.

The success of the game can also be attributed to changes in coaching techniques and approaches to the game made by Hughey and other coaches.

“We implemented new drills, a little bit more film work, and a little more attention to detail,” said Hughey.

The student section was electric. Students chanted the famous “We Are the Titans” from the 2000 movie “Remember the Titans”, which turns 25 this year, adding to the ambience of the first home football game.

“I just want to commend the student section, the band and everybody else that made this a good atmosphere,” said Hughey. “Go Titans.”