Syracuse High School Football is Back

By Yaw Bonsu

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – High school football has returned to the Central New York area. The city of Syracuse falls into the Section III portion of the New York State Public High School Association (NYSPHSAA). And this past fall, football was just one of the many fall sports cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

After over a year without football, Governor Andrew Cuomo allowed both practices and games to take place during the spring season. Despite the joy of playing football again, everyone involved felt weird experiencing football out of season.

“It almost just feels odd how well things are going to see football back in action,” said Kyle Marchak, play-by-play announcer for Cicero North-Syracuse football. 

“For them [the players] to be so patient, yet itching to get back on the field the entire time, it just shows you how dedicated they are…”

With the school returning to play for the first time since 2019, it plans to continue its tradition of broadcasting every home game and a select number of away ones. For play-by-play announcer Giovanni Heater, the return to football means just as much to the community, as it does the players.

“To be able to provide for them, it feels like we’re almost doing a service,” said Heater. “And I’m just so happy that they’re able to watch the games each week.”

For Cicero North-Syracuse (and other schools), fans will be allowed in a limited capacity. However, players are only allowed two tickets per game. All remaining family members or people who desire to watch the game must do so through CNS’ live stream.

“This is my thirteenth year and it’s a crazy time we’re but I wouldn’t change it for the world,” said Kyle Toms, a middle linebacker for the CNS.

Being back on the field gives the players a sense of purpose that can only be obtained by touching the gridiron, and for many players on this Northstars team, that mentality is what will drive them through the season.

“He [the players] will die for them,” said Kyle Marchak. “As long as they’re his teammate, he’s going out there to war and that’s his mentality.”