Titans kick-off 2024 football season this Friday

The 2024 Class AA football season is set to kick-off this Friday, Aug. 30 and the Tea Area High School Titans are gearing up for another year of tough competition. Head Coach Scott Frey, who holds a solid record of 17-6, is optimistic about the team’s prospects but knows the road to success won’t be easy.

Frey emphasizes that staying healthy is crucial for the Titans this season. 

“As always and for everyone, we need to stay healthy. We need some younger guys to step up and fill positions lost to graduation,” said Frey. “We need to establish our physical ability in the games and continue to do the things that we do.”

The Titans have a strong group of returning players, including six offensive and five defensive starters. Standout players like junior quarterback Brenner Konrad and senior running backs Sam Werdel and Cole McKinney will be key contributors. 

Last season, Konrad tallied 959 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, while Werdel and McKinney combined for over 600 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.

Also returning on offense will be tackles Cody Peterson and Jacob Jongejeugd and guard Charlie Leslie. 

Returning for the defense will be Werdel who had 67 tackles last season. Dawson Eimers also returns. Eimers finished last season with 54 tackles. Jongejeugd, Chase DeBoer, and Carter Christensen also return for the Titan defense. 

Others expected to see significant action this season include seniors Marshall Smythe, Caleb Kuhnert, Jack Gearman, Riley Svanda, and Tyler Rhead; along with junior Carter Brown and sophomore Griffin Wiebenga. 

One of the aspects Frey appreciates most about the 2024 team is the leadership shown by the upperclassmen. 

“What I like is the ability and willingness of the upperclassmen and leaders to help the younger players learn what we do both offensively and defensively. We have a bunch of kids that just love football and want to play!” Frey remarked.

While the team has several strengths, Frey acknowledges that they face significant challenges, especially in maintaining mental toughness. 

“To remain mentally tough and play week to week. We cannot look ahead or behind. We need to focus on the opponent for each week and move on to the next,” Frey explained. Improving pass defense will also be a priority, as it was a weak spot last year.

The Titans have a packed schedule, with notable games against tough opponents like Pierre, Yankton, and Watertown. Frey is cautious but determined. 

“There is no opponent that we can overlook. We have to have 9 one-game seasons,” said Frey. “Everyone on our schedule will have our attention when we play them.”

As the Titans prepare for their season opener against Spearfish on August 30, Frey and his team are focused on taking one game at a time, aiming to build on their success and make a deep run in the playoffs. With a strong mix of experienced players and promising newcomers, the Titans are ready to make their mark in the 2024 season.

Following their season opener this Friday, the Titans will hold their home opener on Friday, Sept. 6 against Aberdeen Central in a 6 p.m. game. On Sept. 13 the Titans travel to Huron for a 7 p.m. match-up. On Sept. 20 the team hosts Douglas at 6 p.m. and on Sept. 27, the Titans host Mitchell in their 2024 Homecoming match-up, set to kick-off at 6 p.m. On Oct. 4 the Titans travel to Brookings and on Oct. 11 the team in on the road again as they head to Watertown. On Oct. 18 Tea Area takes on Yankton for a 6:35 p.m. game and on Oct. 24 they play host to Sioux Falls Washington in a 6 p.m. game, marking the end of the regular season. 

Playoff action begins on Oct. 31 and continued on Nov. 8 with the State Class AA Championship game to be held at the DakotaDome on Nov. 15. 

Titan team members this season include: 

1 Daschle Lowery JR QB/DB; 2 Marshall Smythe SR WR/DB; 3 Zac Webb JR RB/DB; 4 Riley Svanda SR WR/DB; 5 Caden Bohnenberger JR WR/DB; 6 CJ Slack JR RB/LB; 7 Ethan Miller SR WR/DL; 8 Blake Gabbert SO WR/DB; 10 Grifin Wiebenga SO WR/DB; 11 Sam Werdel SR RB/LB; 12 Carter Chirstensen JR WR/DB; 13 Dawson Eimers SR RB/LB; 14 Cole McKinney SR RB/DB; 15 Brenner Konrad JR QB/LB; 16 Kiley Pendergast JR K; 17 Tyler Rhead SR RB/LB; 18 Caleb Kuhnert SR WR/DB; 19 Landen Bolte SO WR/DB; 20 Avery Hangman SO RB/DL; 21 Leyton Moran JR RB/LB; 22 Brady Tapia JR RB/LB; 23 Kade Korleski SO RB/LB; 24 Kage Olson SO RB/LB; 25 Carter Brown JR RB/LB; 26 Zachary Rieland SO RB/LB; 28 Cole Northrup JR WR/DB; 30 Brayden Gniffke SO RB/LB; 32 Ryder Henriksen JR RB/LB; 34 Parker Wilson SR RB/LB; 36 Colton Duffy SR RB/DL; 53 Kingston Nyberg JR OL/DL; 55 Gage Little SO OL/DL; 56 Hayden Bialas SO OL/DL; 60 Chase DeBoer JR OL/DL; 61 Jack Gearman SR OL/DL; 62 Charlie Leslie SR OL/DL; 63 Titus Zuraff SO OL/DL; 64 Jeremiah Wilgers SO OL/DL; 65 Jameson Biggins SO OL/DL; 66 Tyson DeYoung SO OL/DL; 67 Jacob Jongejeugd SR OL/DL; 68 Rylan Burch JR OL/DL; 71 Lane Kelsey SR OL/DL; 76 Cody Petersen JR OL/DL; 77 Rylan Berry SR OL/DL; 78 Trey Krell SO OL/DL; 79 Jaden Knodel JR OL/DL