High school football: Syracuse Titans 2009 preview

SYRACUSE — The Syracuse Titans thought they earned respect throughout the state after advancing to the Class 5A semifinals in just their second season of existence in 2008.

Syracuse, however, is not feeling the love.

The Titans were somewhat miffed to see league rival Davis in the Deseret News preseason top five in 5A and not themselves. They weren't all that thrilled to see that they were picked third in Region 1 behind Davis and Viewmont after advancing further in the playoffs than any other team in the league last season.

"We feel that we still haven't earned respect because everybody thinks that last year was a fluke and we really shouldn't have made it (to the semifinals)," said quarterback Tanner Russell. "But last year we worked for what we had and this year we have to work harder to get to the place we got to last year. That's what we're planning on now."

The Titans may not have been happy with their place in the preseason poll, but they know that pretty soon — as in eight days — the offseason officially ends and they can make statements on the field.

"That's just preseason stuff," lineman Cameron Galbraith said of the preseason poll. "We'll just prove ourselves on the field."

That seems like a likely scenario, as Syracuse returns a solid nucleus of standout players.

The Titans should be strong in the trenches as Galbraith, who will play on both sides of the line, and Justin Hill and Aaron Hill return on the offensive line. Jake Dallimore will be a key player on the defensive line.

Tight end Rick Reardon has bulked up since last season and will be an asset as a blocker. He'll also likely be the favorite target of Russell, and one of the top all-around tight ends in the state.

Reardon isn't the only Syracuse player who's spent a lot of hours in the weight room since last season. The Titans have put in a lot of hard work to try and duplicate last season's success, and show their trip to the turf wasn't a fluke.

"I think for our kids they're M.O. is based on hard work," said coach Russ Jones. "They just try and outwork the other teams. These kids are willing to step up and say this is not a one time deal."

Russell is ready to step up as the Titans' leader on offense. He was a starter at receiver last year on Friday nights after quarterbacking Syracuse's junior varsity on Thursdays. The wear and tear made it tough for Russell to contribute as much as he would have liked on varsity.