Boot Camp: Loaded El Paso-Gridley Titans return 19 starters from state semifinalist

EL PASO, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) -- Could this be a state championship season in El Paso?

The El Paso-Gridley Titans were one victory away from playing in the state title game a year ago and have big expectations this fall.

Tanner Benedict returns ten players on his offense and nine on his defense from a 12-1 team that advanced to the class 2A state semifinals.

Benedict's teams are 36-17 and have been the playoffs every year since he was named head coach in 2021. But the Titans had not won a playoff game in that five-year stretch.

"Every year before last year, we had first round exits in the playoffs. The playoffs have been our Kryptonite," said senior receiver Javion Maxon. "Last year will help us this year because now we know the expectations."

Maxon is back after missing the final seven games of the season with a foot injury. Cha'von Maxon and Braden Gibson give the Titans three standout receivers who caught 25 touchdown passes last season.

All-state quarterback Owen Adams returns to lead the potent EPG offense. He threw for over 2,100 yards and 31 touchdowns last season.

The defense, led by senior defensive end Harlin Toillion, surrendered just 11 points a game last fall. The Titans are loaded and hoping they earn a trip to the state title game in late November.

"With how far we went with a young team last year, it just gives us a lot of motivation for this year," said Gibson. "We want a big win at the end of the year, near Thanksgiving."

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