Syracuse Fails with Lacrosse Recruit at QB in UNC Defeat Against Belichick
In a highly anticipated matchup, Syracuse University’s lacrosse recruit, Joseph Filardi, made his debut as a quarterback against the University of North Carolina on Friday night. This game marked a challenging pivot for the Orange, who faced legendary coach Bill Belichick. Unfortunately for Syracuse, their gamble did not pay off, resulting in a disappointing 27-10 defeat.
Syracuse’s Quarterback Decision
Joseph Filardi, a walk-on quarterback and lacrosse commit, had limited experience in football at the collegiate level. He completed only 4 of 18 passes for 39 yards with no touchdowns during the game. Syracuse’s head coach, Fran Brown, acknowledged the challenges involved, noting the complexities of team dynamics beyond just the quarterback role.
Filardi’s Background
Filardi’s background in athletics is impressive. Before joining Syracuse, he excelled at Half Hollow Hills West High School in Long Island. There, he set a Long Island single-season record with 44 passing touchdowns and was named the 2024 New York State Player of the Year. Ranking 52nd among the class of 2025 lacrosse recruits, his dual-sport aspirations led him to Syraucse.
- Joseph Filardi’s position: Quarterback
- High School Achievements: 44 passing touchdowns
- Rank: 52nd in lacrosse recruiting
- New York State Player of the Year: 2024
Injury and Team Changes
Filardi’s starting opportunity arose from the injury of starting quarterback Steve Agneli, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. Coach Brown’s plan to change the offensive strategy stemmed from the team’s struggles, including four consecutive losses where the Orange managed only 40 total points.
Game Performance
Using Filardi in the starting role did not yield the hoped-for spark. Syracuse finished the game with just 12 first downs and 147 total yards, averaging a mere 2.2 yards per pass attempt. Filardi had a particularly rough start, recording eight incompletions before completing his first pass midway through the second quarter.
- Syracuse’s total first downs: 12
- Total offensive yards: 147
- Averaged yards per pass: 2.2
Looking Ahead
After the game, Filardi acknowledged the necessity for improvement among all units. The loss dropped Syracuse’s record to 3-6 overall and 1-5 within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Coach Brown emphasized the need for the team to come together and build momentum moving forward.
Syracuse is in search of a change. The experiment with Joseph Filardi may lead to further discussions about the current roster and the future of the program. The Orange must regroup as they continue their quest for a successful season.
