The Hive Sports

by James Tate

Syracuse Titans

2024 overall and region record (5-6) (2-3)

Head coach: Mitch Tulane

The Syracuse Titans opened the 2024 season with back-to-back losses under first-year Head Coach Mitch Tulane but quickly reversed course with four consecutive wins. The streak included key victories over perennial contender Bingham and Region 1 co-champion Farmington, signaling a team finding its identity and resilience.

As Coach Tulane enters his second season at the helm, the Titans return an experienced quarterback and a deep roster featuring talent at every position. A productive offseason has seen leadership emerge and a renewed emphasis on team chemistry, with players focused on reclaiming their place atop the region standings.

“This will be a big year for me to gauge the state of the program,” Coach Tulane said. “Are we heading in the right direction? Are the new things we have implemented over the last 18 months working out? What areas got better, and which areas need more improvement? In our first five games, we play three teams that played in state championship games last year. And then a reloaded, tough, physical Woods Cross team and a super-talented Alta team. By the time region play rolls around, we will be battle-tested.”

Ledger Wight

Quarterbacks/Running backs

The dynamic duo of sophomore quarterback Ledger Wight and senior running back Ryker Van Komen highlights one of the top QB/RB tandems in the state. Wight turned heads as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks, having passed for 1,664 yards and rushed for 545 yards during his freshman season last year.

“Ledger is a fantastic athlete,” Coach Tulane said. “As the year went on last year, his comfort level in our scheme grew, the speed of the game slowed down for him, and his ability to trust his talent, teammates, and self grew considerably. This year, I expect Ledger to make great strides forward and solidify himself as one of the better football players in the entire region.”

Senior running back Ryker Van Komen brings a rare blend of physicality and breakaway speed to the field. He led the team in rushing last season with 810 yards, consistently wearing down defenses with his tough, downhill running style. But Van Komen isn’t just a bruiser; he’s a reliable weapon in the passing game, too, hauling in 24 receptions and scoring twice through the air. Known for his relentless work ethic and competitive fire, Van Komen enters his final season poised for a breakout year.

“In the offseason, I mainly focused on my agility, being able to control my body and power better to be more versatile in our offense, adding more variety than just a downhill runner,” Van Komen said. “I’m fired up for the season. I get one last ride with my teammates and my family. We have high expectations for the season.

Wide receivers/tight ends

Senior wide receiver Tanner Merrill may be flying under the radar, but that won’t last long. With a rare combination of size, speed, and reliable hands, Merrill is poised to become a breakout star. He led the Titans in receiving last season with 50 receptions and 624 yards, consistently coming through in clutch moments. His track success, a second-place finish at the 6A state championship meet, 48.47 seconds in the 400m event, underscores his elite athleticism and explosiveness.

Merrill won’t be alone in the passing game. Six-foot-three senior Weston Russell brings experience and toughness. At the same time, a promising group of newcomers adds depth and versatility to an offense that’s shaping up to be one of the most balanced in the region.

“Our receiving core as a whole we have new kids stepping up and filling the holes from last year making our offense more versatile giving us more opportunities to score and win games,” Van Komen said.

Mulivai Pula

Offensive/defensive linemen

The departure of offensive lineman Ty Hunter (Weber State University) will be tough to fill. However, the Titans will still have a strong group up front, led by seniors Koda Ashcraft, Ben Cook, Kasch Casero, and sophomore Mulivai Pula. Ashcraft started at center last season, while Cook is stepping up to be a major contributor on both offensive and defensive lines. Casero, who has moved in from Roy, is a valuable addition, having previously started on the offensive line for the Royals.

Pula made an impact last season as a freshman on the offensive line and will also contribute on defense, teaming up with junior Jace Cook on the defensive front. Jace Cook, a standout in track and field throwing events, tied for the team lead with six sacks in 2024. Additionally, he ranked as the top sophomore in the country in the shot put event, achieving a remarkable throw of 63 feet 7 inches.

Linebackers/defensive backs

Senior Xander Garcia is the Titans’ leading returning tackler after racking up 70 stops last year. An athletic, physical, and instinctive linebacker, Garcia also picked off four passes, returning one for a touchdown against the Brighton Bengals.  

“As the season approaches, I’m most excited to see how our team will come together and play when game time comes,” Garcia said. “This year our team bond and chemistry is much stronger and closer than we were last year so I’m excited to see how it translates to Friday nights.”

Last year, the Titans recorded a total of 11 interceptions, with 10 of those made by returning players. Garcia led the team with four interceptions, followed by junior Kaleb Hall with three. Senior Madden Nelson contributed two interceptions, and senior Kolin White made one.

This season, keep an eye on six-foot-three senior cornerback Xavier Mayes, who is expected to be a standout in the Titans’ secondary. With his impressive athleticism and confidence, Mayes has the skills to become a lockdown defender, making it difficult for opponents to complete passes.

Hall is back as the leading returning tackler from the secondary, having made 46 stops last season. Alongside him, Nelson brings a dynamic edge; his highlight-reel interception returned for a touchdown against the Layton Lancers was a turning point in that game.

Tanner Merrill

Special teams

Replacing graduated kicker/punter Easton Choate (University of North Dakota) will be a challenge, but Coach Tulane and the Titans welcome it. Senior Keaton Bodily is one to watch to step into the kicker/punter role.

Merrill and senior Kolin White will get opportunities as the kick and punt returners for the Titans.

The team

Under the leadership of Coach Tulane, the Titans have fully embraced a team-first mentality built on trust, effort, and accountability. It’s not just about talent, it’s about playing for each other. Whether under the Friday night lights or in the grind of practice, this squad shows up ready to compete, giving maximum effort on every snap. That mindset could be the difference-maker in close games and tough matchups.

“The strength of the team this year is the team,” Coach Tulane said. “Our kids have worked very hard this offseason and leaders have emerged and have really taken over. Our senior class is tight knit, holds each other accountable, and most importantly, they love each other. For this group, what they are capable of off the field is the most exciting thing to me. Exceptional young men in our program who will lead us.”

Key games

Sep. 12, 2025, at Alta Hawks. This game will be the Titans’ final non-region game, after road games against the defending 5A state champion Bountiful Redhawks and runner-up Roy Royals, and a home game against Idaho state champion Rigby Trojans.

Sep. 26, 2025, at Davis Darts. The Titans have scored only 10 points in the last two games against the Darts. The Titans’ offense will need to put up more points in this contest to pull out a win on the road against the Darts.

Oct. 9, 2025, vs. Farmington Phoenix. A one-point victory over the defending co-region champions on the road was a highlight game for the Titans last year. The Titans will host the Phoenix at home in the regular season finale this year.

photos courtesy James Tate