The Syracuse Strong had their best year to date in 2018. Now the pressure for an encore performance in 2019, here’s why they’re ready for the challenge.
The Syracuse Strong is a minor league football team in the salt city. They’re the winningest program in Central New York.
In 2018 the Strong had their best year to date:
- Northeastern Football Alliance Champions
- AAA New York State Champions
- AAA National Champions
Which means the target is squarely on the back of the Syracuse Strong. Every opponent they play this season will want to take the Strong out. In essence, Syracuse will be taking every team’s best shot.
Team President Khalid Bey and Syracuse Strong wide receiver Joshua Thomas joined The Manchild Show with Boy Green to talk about defending the crown in 2019:
Khalid Bey:
"“Oh we’re absolutely ready and you’re right. Even before the season started we had offers from teams in Michigan to New York City that wanted us to come and play them, but the schedule didn’t allow. We’re excited and ready to go and if I was those teams I wouldn’t be so excited to play us.”"
Joshua Thomas:
"“At the end of the day, we have to stay humble. I don’t go in against any opponent and act cocky. A team that is 0-7 could beat someone on any night. There is definitely a bigger target on our back this year then there was last year. Everyone wants to have that claim that they beat the Syracuse Strong. In order to get that right, you got to go through four quarters with us.”"
The Strong is returning the majority of the team from last year and has even added some talent. Including a brand new quarterback at the helm in Jason Boltus.
Now that name may sound familiar to some people for a few reasons. He has local ties (played high school in Baldwinsville) and has had success playing in the CFL and indoor football leagues over the last decade.
But beyond just his abilities on the football field, he’ll also deliver unparalleled levels of leadership, experience, and coaching. Despite only being 32 years old, Boltus has been a head coach, offensive coordinator, and has worked with quarterbacks.
The Strong has also added a brand new offensive coordinator so we may be seeing a new look offense for Syracuse this season, but all-star wide receiver Joshua Thomas wouldn’t reveal any team secrets in his interview with The Manchild Show with Boy Green. He said if you want to see how different the offense will look, show up to the game on Saturday.
The Syracuse Strong open up their season vs the Charlotte Colonials on Saturday, May 25th at their home stadium (the Valley Sports Complex; 100 Amidon Drive in Syracuse). Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids eight and under. Or you can buy a season pass for $60. All that information can be found here.