71 Points In Celebration of the 1971 Titans Football Team

It was a day of celebration and reflection as the community came together at the Alexandria City High School (ACHS) King Street Campus on Fri., Sept. 19, 2025 to mark the 25th anniversary of the inspirational film “Remember the Titans.” The Titans Tailgate event kicked off the evening in honor of the remarkable 1971 T.C. Williams High School championship football team, famously coached by Herman Boone, its first African American head coach and Assistant Coach Bill Yoast. 

To the fans' delight, they were able to take part in a meet and greet program with many of the original 1971 Titans team members also portrayed in the film, such as Ron “Sunshine” Bass and Jerry “the Rev” Harris, among others. Team member Bob Luckett addressed the crowd with remarks that set the 1971 Titans winning record straight, noting all their seasonal and shut out wins not mentioned in the movie. 

The 1971 Titans were joined by some members of the original cheerleading squad and all of them were available to personally autograph vintage team photos and commemorative mini footballs provided by the ACHS Booster Club, especially for the event. ACHS students from the culinary program at ACHS prepared the food for the event.   

Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt noted the Titans team spirit reflecting unity and resilience had made a difference in 1971, as portrayed in the film, as well as when it was released 25 years ago and this message still resonates within the community of Alexandria City today.

Providing remarks at the event were Alexandria City School Board Chair Dr. Michelle Rief, ACHS Interim Executive Principal Lance Harrell and Executive Director of Athletics & Student Activities James Parker. Attendees were also treated to performances by the ACHS Cheer Team and the ACHS Band. Members of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) also participated by holding their sabre swords high while the voice of Titan Athletics Jim Gibson invited each of the 1971 Titan team members to walk under the sabre arch in their honor.

Immediately following the autograph session at the tailgate event, Titans fans flocked to the Parker-Gray Memorial Stadium to witness the 1971 Titans walk through the tunnel as they, the ACPS middle school and ACHS football teams followed in ceremonious and celebratory fashion. Under the Friday night lights, the ACHS Titans took on the John Lewis High School Lancers in a home game culminating in a winning score of 71-0, which one can say the current Titans achieved in honor of the 1971 Titans team sharing the field with them that night and, once again, showing the Mighty Titans continue to thrive in the City of Alexandria.