Alex Eisen/MDN TGU running back Cody Frounfelter carries the ball during practice held last week in Towner.

TOWNER — Undersized and inexperienced, the Towner-Granville-Upham Titans had their fair share of struggles last season.

The program missed the 9-man playoffs for the first time since 2006. They started the season 2-1 before dropping five out of the last six games to finish 3-6 overall.

After taking the bumps and bruises, those same Titans return to the gridiron.

“We have a lot of kids that have played these last couple of years,” TGU head coach Ben Wollenzien said. “We were sophomore and junior heavy last year, so that now turns into juniors and seniors. I think that experience across the board is our benefit.”

At the forefront of TGU’s attack, the Titans will employ a two-headed horse in the backfield with seniors Cody Frounfelter and Brodey Keller.

“We will be feeding that hot hand between the two of us throughout the year,” Frounfelter said. “We are both physical backs, so we think that will help us out in this region.”

Senior quarterback Cy Luna gives TGU another dangerous running option in the pocket. Luna moves under center after playing more as a wide receiver last season.

“Those three guys have played a lot for us,” Wollenzien said.

Other offensive weapons include receivers senior Brock Bailey, junior Blake Latendresse, junior Bryce Latendresse and junior Dayton Myers. Along with tight ends senior Jamie Getzlaff and junior Blake Lunde.

The Titans’ offense averaged 26.4 points per game last season. TGU scored over 45 points in all three of its wins but was held under 10 points in four separate defeats.

“I think the biggest lessons we learned last year came in our losses,” Bailey said. “We lost a lot of seniors and then lost six games. This year, we got a lot of guys who want to prove everyone wrong.”

TGU’s 23-man roster lists 17 upperclassmen.

“Everyone is basically returning, and you only get better with repetition,” Bailey continued. “We get everyone back, so I think we got a good shot at winning the region.”

That experience is starting to shine on the offensive/defensive line. Upperclassmen in the trenches include senior Aidan McMahon, senior Clayton Paro, junior Mason Jones, junior Brady Schock, junior Lane Kunkel and junior Scott Lovro.

Most of the playmakers on offense also feature as linebackers or in the secondary for the 9-man squad, as playing both ways is common.

“I missed it,” Getzlaff said about getting to play football again. “It was a long summer. I love playing football, so I’m glad we are back out here.”

It’s a sentiment all high school teams around the state share because of the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“For three and a half hours every day this week, it’s been normal,” Wollenzien said. “It feels normal — lots of smiles, lots of fun being had. They’re just happy to be back together and doing something they enjoy.”

They are working together for one common goal.

After the Titans had their 12-year postseason streak snapped a year ago, making a triumphant return is the overarching target for this season.

“We want to make the playoffs and make a run in the playoffs,” Wollenzien said. “I can see six teams trying to make four playoff spots. But I think you have to throw TGU back in the mix. I think we belong there.”

Season Schedule

Aug. 21, 7 p.m. vs. Trenton.

Aug. 28, 7 p.m. at Divide County.

Sept. 4, 7 p.m. vs. L&C-Berthold.

Sept. 11, 6 p.m. at Surrey.

Sept. 18, 7 p.m. at Central McLean.

Sept. 25, 7 p.m. at St. John.

Oct. 2, 7 p.m. at Parshall.

Oct. 9, 7 p.m. vs. Ray/Powers Lake.

Alex Eisen covers Minot State athletics, the Minot Minotauros and high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @AEisen13.