High school football: Syracuse aims for respect on the field and support in the community

SYRACUSE — In only its second year of existence, it's already a show-me year for the Syracuse football program.

The Titans are looking to show the rest of Region 1 that they are to be taken seriously as a contender in league play. Perhaps more importantly, they are trying to show members of their community that they deserve their support after four of their players were charged in a burglary spree earlier this summer.

The Titans know it won't be easy to regain the trust and cheers of their community since the alleged crime spree involving the four players, who aren't currently on the team, took place earlier in the year. But they are trying, and one of the first things they did to get back on their community's good side was participating in a 5K fundraiser for Eric Child, a Clinton man who has leukemia, on Aug. 2.

"They've been really tight-knit," Syracuse coach Russ Jones said of his players. "There have been a lot of things in the paper in the last little while since some of the kids got in trouble. I thought for the kids to step up and do something like that was great. They're trying to get the community back behind them. That tells me a lot about them. I know our name has been kind of down a little bit. We want to bring it back to a respected level."

Syracuse is also looking to earn some respect on the football field. As expected, the team struggled through its inaugural season in 2007. The Titans, playing all sophomores and juniors, went 0-10 against older and stronger competition.

Hardly anyone expected Syracuse to win a game last season. Expectations are much different now that the Titans have some seniors on their team, and bring back almost everyone from last year. The Titans say that their experiences during their 0-10 season in 2007 will pay off for them this year.

"It was good because I think it made us stronger for this year," said Syracuse lineman Jake Anderson. "There was more playing time for everyone last year. We've put in a lot of hard work during the break."

Jones has seen his players improve their strength and speed since last season.

"We'll be a little more ready this year as far as the size of our kids, their strength and maturity," Jones said. "I think the kids have grown a lot in the last year. We've got to get some confidence and get in the 'W' column."