Something different, something new is in the air around Todd Beamer High School’s football program. Maybe it’s their summer workout attendance more than tripling, or maybe it’s their senior leaders setting an example for the program to follow. Either way, Todd Beamer High School football is surging under Head Coach Rodney McCurry as they prepare for the 2025 season.

McCurry is in his fourth season as head coach, and he’s coming off an underwhelming 4-5 finish to the 2024 campaign. With that being said, McCurry’s goals for Todd Beamer extend beyond their record in wins and losses; he wants to change the program.

“This has been the best camp that we’ve had so far – numbers wise and participation wise,” McCurry said. “The buy-in has been awesome, and we’ve averaged 38 kids at camp (this summer), when we averaged 12 last year.”

Although McCurry had plenty of praise for his players and the effort, dedication, and spark they’ve brought to the program, he couldn’t bypass the exceptional support he’s received from the leadership above him.

“We got a boost of energy from our new athletic director [Amber Plummer]. She’s been awesome so far: bringing energy, not telling us no, figuring out solutions, and now our staff is starting to click,” McCurry said.

Dominic Flugstad holds the pads for teammates during pass rush drills. Alexis Phung / For the Reporter

McCurry is excited for the upcoming season not just because he and his staff are clicking, but because he feels Todd Beamer finally has all the pieces to really grow on and off the field.

“Now we’re freshman loaded, sophomore loaded, and we have the right pieces for our senior leadership,” McCurry said.

One such senior is Dominic Flugstad, a 2024 3A First-Team All-League Offensive Lineman with plans to play in college with offers from Pacific Lutheran University (WA), Valley City State (ND) and George Fox University (OR). Flugstad views his role as one of much importance – both for his play on the field but also for his ability to be a role model.

“Senior leadership is so important; it helps these kids figure out what high-school football is,” Flugstad said. “Transitioning from little league football where your mom holds your hand to high-school football with guys four years older, it’s hard.

So what team results does Flugstad want to see from his senior leadership?

“I just want to be better as a program. When I joined this program, we were really not together as a team. Over the years, we’ve grown, but I want to see it keep going,” Flugstad said.

Flugstad takes immense pride in what his performance on the field and his goals for college football means for Todd Beamer.

“I want to be the gold standard. Yeah, you go to Beamer, yeah you’re an underdog, but you can make it,” Flugstad said. “You got the grades, you got the attitude, you got the athleticism, you can go wherever you want to.”

Jayden Rogers (right) defends a wide receiver in a drill. Alexis Phung / For the Reporter

Flugstad and McCurry believe this mentality is so important because Todd Beamer has been a school where a lot of football talent transfers out.

“We’ve had a young guy at quarterback almost every year, which is frustrating because you lack that continuity,” McCurry said. “We’ve been like the developers for everybody else’s school.

This year, though, McCurry feels like his quarterback situation could be different.

“[Xavier Phillips] is one we feel like we’ll get in our system for four years. He’s done a really good job in camp, and we just want him to get confident and learn how to manage his team, to be a leader,” McCurry said.

Phillips, coming into the starting job after being a backup last year, is looking to grow into his role this year.

“Learning the system as a starting quarterback – I was a backup last year – is new for me,” Phillips said. “There’s a little pressure, but I just put extra work in to go through the plays and get them right.”

Phillips acknowledges how important senior leadership has been for his journey to becoming a starting quarterback.

“Dom was a huge role model for me last year, picking me up and showing me the ways,” Phillips said. “I’m excited to grind it out with my seniors like him one last time and hopefully make it to the playoffs.”

Phillips, Flugstad, and McCurry all nodded to their freshmen heavy roster as something to look for this season. One such freshman is Jayden Rogers, a wide receiver not intimidated by the speed of high school football.

“I thought coming into high school football would be challenging, but it’s been kind of easy,” Rogers said. “I’ve been working with high school guys since I was in sixth grade, so I’m used to the speed and skills.

McCurry isn’t surprised about how comfortable his freshmen players feel.

“I’m familiar with a lot of these guys, as I’ve coached basketball at the middle school (Sequoyah) and created relationships with these guys already,” McCurry said. “I’m no longer a scary dude – it grows their confidence as they walk these halls for the first time.

With confident freshmen, leading seniors, and consistent quarterback play, McCurry is hoping to continue shifting what Todd Beamer football is all about.

The Titans head to French Field on Sept. 5 to take on Kentlake to kick off their 2025 campaign.

Todd Beamer players line up for tackling drills. Alexis Phung / For the Reporter