The Classical Academy’s football team didn’t just lose a large senior class; the Titans lost a treasure trove of production.

Of the Titans’ 2,341 rushing yards and 35 rushing touchdowns from the 2025 season, 1,796 of those yards and 30 of those touchdowns left with the Class of 2026.

TCA coach Justin Rich heard those numbers and didn’t flinch. Those same Titans also lost a heap of their total offense from their 2024 title team that finished 13-0, but TCA returned last season, advanced to 2A’s semifinals and built an 11-1 record.

Yes, the Titans open at home 7 p.m. Friday with a tough Brush team, which finished 10-1 in 2025. But Rich has watched his Titans bust tail at practice and act as sponges to any knowledge and wisdom offered.

“We’re lucky to have a great educational school where these kids are good at learning,” Rich said. “They come out here and they’re ready to learn and they pick things up quickly. They practice hard and that always gives us a chance.”

Wilson Grothe earned the title of QB1 this season for the Titans and Rich gushed about the junior’s abilities. Grothe had a few reps at quarterback last season and played behind Jackson Smetana, who threw for 1,630 yards and 15 touchdowns in his final season.

“Wilson is one of those people who’s really athletic and he probably played bogey golf the first time he golfed,” Rich said. “He’s good at everything and he’s confident. … Some skill sets he has we haven’t had in the past: great arm talent, he’s fast and he’s athletic. We think he’s going to grow into it.”

Last May, during the state track and field meet, Grothe finished fourth in 3A’s high jump as a sophomore at 6 feet, 4 inches. During the winter boys basketball season, Grothe led the Titans in points, steals and assists.

His role as floor general, where he totaled 120 assists, is vital for Grothe’s transition to starting quarterback. Point guard and quarterback have overlapping roles and Grothe said that allowed him to feel comfortable on the gridiron.

“You have to hit guys on the field when they need to be hit and lead the team and both of those positions complement each other well,” Grothe said. “I noticed last year when playing basketball that I take elements from football like being able to see guys at a certain angle and get the ball to them.”

As the offense aims to remain formidable, the defense also expects to maintain its dominance.

The Titans allowed just 14.5 points per game last season and held all but one opponent — Kent Denver, whom the Titans defeated 49-48 in double overtime in the postseason — under 30 points.

However, the Titans’ brush with Brush, which ended last season ranked 50th per MaxPreps, will be one of several strong competitors.

All but one of TCA’s opponents this season advanced to the playoffs. Those teams also had a combined 71-26 record last year. Compare that to the Titans’ 2025 regular-season schedule where TCA’s opposition owned a 46-41 mark.

“Coach always starts us with a tough game and that’s important,” senior Josiah Musilli said. “You have to be ready for the season and you have to know your stuff and push as hard as you can.”

Musilli finished his junior year with 50 tackles, good for second on the team and had 18 hurries in nine games. He’s one of a handful of returners with varsity reps, but Musilli and the rest of the Titans defense don’t intend to relent.

“It comes down to being prepared with film and knowing the playbook,” Musilli said. “You have to get to the right place and fill gaps and that comes with getting reps and helping everyone understand their role. We have to push ourselves, give ourselves grace and work together.”