The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Playing in front of Browns ‘amazing’ for Titans
The Lorain Titans were excited on Sept. 14 to not only finally be playing at home, but also to get a chance to break in the new turf at George Daniel Field.
Then, things got a bit more exciting.
When the Titans exited the locker room, a surprise awaited them: T.J. Carrie, James Burgess and Josh Gordon.
The Browns players were on the sidelines to help with the dedication of the turf provided by the Browns.
“I knew there were going to be some people from the organization coming for the dedication,” Lorain coach Dave McFarland said. “But I had no idea the players were going to be there. I was putting together and planning for the game, so (Athletic Director) Bryan Koury handled that end. It was a huge surprise and I think it really helped get the team excited.”
Excited may be an understatement.
“It was amazing,” senior defensive end Malik McCall said. “It got us so pumped up and excited for the game.
“I just wanted to ask of a picture and an autograph, but I was in game mode, so I had to keep focused. It was awesome to know that they were going to be watching us and cheering for us.”
However, just because they were in game mode does not mean that the Titans did not take advantage of the chance to learn from some of the Browns.
“He (T.J. Carrie) told me I’m a good runner,” junior running back Savon Chais said. “He told me I’m explosive and gave me a few tips that could help make me even better. I was just like, ‘Wow. This NFL player is telling me I’m dong great and that he likes watching me play.’ It was insane and that definitely motivated me to put on a show.”
The extra motivation was more than enough as the Titans steamrolled their Canadian guests, St.
Joseph, 50-6.
While he was confident of their chances heading in to begin with, junior quarterback Jordan Jackson said that as soon as the team saw the Browns’ players, he knew a loss was not an option.
“I mean, you have professional players watching you,” Jackson said. “We weren’t going to lose in front of them. We wanted to give them a show.”
Chavis added that the team wanted to show the Browns that Lorain was worthy of the gift that the organization had given them.
“Them being there gave us that drive to show them exactly what they provided a field for,” Chavis said. “We wanted to make sure they knew that they didn’t just spend a lot of money on a team and on players that were going to waste it.”
As for the investment made by the Browns into the Lorain City School district — not just in the turf field, but things like donating school uniforms to the district — none of the players are taking it for granted.
“It shows we are stepping
up on the map,” Chavis said. “We appreciate them noticing us and helping us. So much.”
“We’ve never had this type of support in Lorain,” Jackson added. “It’s awesome that the Browns are noticing us and helping us out.”
“They’ve helped us out so much,” McCall said. “It’s kind of humbling to think they care about us.”
Perhaps McFarland said it best, though.
“We need to give them a big thank you,” McFarland said. “They’re not just investing in the district, but they’re investing in the young men. They’re giving each and every student a feeling of self-worth, and that is the real story. That is something that cannot be stated enough.
“We are so thankful to the Haslams and the entire Browns’ organization. They are making a difference in the lives of these young men and women, and that is an amazing thing.”