2023 was not a great year for the Todd Beamer Titans football team, but there are lessons and ways to view last season in order to move forward for Head Coach Rodney McCurry.

Their last game was a 21-16 loss to Thomas Jefferson High School — their fourth straight loss to TJ dating back to 2019. That is in the rearview mirror, and the Titans are readying for the 2024 season.

“The sour part about that (game) is we made one mistake last season and it was that game. We know, the kids know, we just have to tighten up a little bit more. It just feels good to be out here,” McCurry said.

Todd Beamer went 3-6 a year ago and finished fifth in the NPSL. Of those six losses, half were by 11 points or less. That gives McCurry hope and an idea that his team can make a push this season.

“Where we had an advantage last year is we are in shape. What messed us up last year is we didn’t have all of our guys in camp to start last year. We have the bulk of everybody we are expecting to come back” at this year’s camp, he said.

Junior pass-catcher Niko Shreffler is focusing on off-the-field improvements in order to turn those close losses into wins.

“We just have to close the gap and succeed on third downs. In those close games, we blew it at the 20 yard line, heading toward the end zone. We just gotta close that gap and get in the end zone,” he said.

Shreffler cut almost 20 pounds heading into his junior year. He was mainly a tight end last year, but is now working his way to being the Titans’ number one target.

“I trained with Rise Academy a lot and slowly saw the transition with my body. I wanted to get in better shape and get in shape for college,” Shreffler said.

Heading into this season, Todd Beamer is joined at the 3A level with Federal Way and Decatur while welcoming Enumclaw and White River. New opponents mean new challenges, while old rivalries are renewed.

“The challenge and cross-city rivalry just heightens our production on the field and preparation for the games,” McCurry said.

Players are excited and looking forward to those rivalry games.

“I am really looking forward to Federal Way, that is going to be a good game. That is our homecoming game and then Decatur on Senior Night. I am happy we can play those teams because last year we couldn’t and they are good teams,” Shreffler said.

Under center, the Titans have a new man leading the offense. Sophomore Esquire Williams from Clover Park has been turning heads. The new quarterback has shown immense quality on the field as well as in the locker room.

“Instantly when he transferred, the leadership was there. He’s leading us through plays and telling us what to do… His work ethic is crazy. I think he’s ready,” Shreffler said.

Abdala Shaban and Avion McLemore brought a ton of energy to the Titans football program, especially on the defensive side of the ball. This year, as the underclassman and quarterback, McCurry already can tell Williams will bring a difference juice to the team.

“Ever since he touched foot on campus, the energy had already sparked. Because of his talent, everybody knows we have a chance,” McCurry said.

Todd Beamer opens up with Kentlake on Sept. 5 at home, with kickoff at 6 p.m.

Titans met up after practice. Ben Ray / The Mirror