Joseph Filardi Debuts as Syracuse Starts Against UNC
Joseph Filardi made his debut for Syracuse University in a challenging matchup against the University of North Carolina on Friday night. The game, broadcast on ESPN, was notable for featuring Bill Belichick on the sidelines. While Syracuse’s head coach, Fran Brown, had not disclosed a starting quarterback before the game, Filardi, a freshman and former standout from Half Hollow Hills West, took center stage.
Joseph Filardi’s Performance
The freshman struggled in his first game with significant defensive pressure from North Carolina. He completed just 4 of 18 pass attempts, accumulating 39 yards, while rushing for eight yards on seven carries. Filardi was sacked four times during the game. Ultimately, Syracuse fell to North Carolina 27-10, marking a disappointing start for the young quarterback.
Team Struggles and Statistics
Syracuse’s offense struggled overall, managing only 147 total yards in the game. Their sole touchdown came from a 51-yard fumble recovery by Anwar Sparrow. With this loss, Syracuse’s record fell to 3-6, including 1-5 in the ACC. The team has faced difficulties since losing their star quarterback, Steve Angeli, to injury in late September.
- Filardi was the only quarterback to play for Syracuse on this night.
- Prior to Filardi, redshirt sophomore Rickie Collins started the last four games, all losses.
- True freshman Luke Carney has made brief appearances, attempting three passes this season.
Filardi’s High School Success
Before joining Syracuse, Joseph Filardi achieved remarkable feats at Half Hollow Hills West. He was named the winner of the Hansen Award, recognizing him as the best football player in Suffolk County. Last season, he threw for 3,102 yards, scoring 43 touchdowns with only three interceptions. Additionally, he rushed for 1,204 yards and 12 touchdowns, leading his team to a 9-2 record.
Record-Breaking Career
Filardi set impressive records during his high school career. He amassed 14,483 all-purpose yards and 151 touchdowns, finishing with 9,267 passing yards and 123 passing touchdowns, complemented by 2,929 rushing yards and 28 rushing touchdowns. He graduated from high school on January 10 and enrolled at Syracuse just three days later.
Future Prospects
Filardi’s transition to college football appears promising despite his rocky start. His father, Gerald Filardi, expressed confidence in his son’s ability to adapt quickly. Filardi is also a member of the Syracuse men’s lacrosse team, showcasing his athletic versatility.
As he continues to develop, Syracuse hopes that Filardi can lead the team back to success in the remainder of the season.
