In the city of Syracuse’s northeast side rests the largest and one of the most diverse urban high schools in the district, Henninger High. Their students are the sons and daughters of Syracuse’s working class, frequently facing the effects of adversity and societal disadvantages. Henninger has seen more than its share of challenges in recent years, frequently being in news headlines for violence and the deaths of students.
“Henninger vs. Everybody” is a look into the Henninger Varsity Football team, led by their new head coach, Nick Patterson. Patterson was hired with the task of not only turning around the failing team on the field but also being a support system for his players. This is a glimpse into the life of the team and the troubles they face, exploring the intersection of hardship, resilience, community, and the camaraderie that sustains them.
Henninger High School’s Varsity Football team is challenged with its invisibility within the community. The team is often unrecognized by opponents as real competition due to their lack of resources, roster depth, and the hardship that Henninger students carry.
Kyleel Conklin went down with an ankle injury early in Henninger’s season that put an end to his junior year of football. Since being put on crutches, Kyleel has become the heart and soul of the team. Kyleel continued attending practices and games and assumed a leadership role off the field despite an inability to play.
Kyleel leads the team during the national anthem against Auburn. He says he looks forward to his senior season and is hungry for his chance to rebound in his final year. Auburn, New York, Oct. 4, 2024. (Photo by Troy Conner)
Henninger players have formed a brotherhood over the game of football. It’s not uncommon to find them goofing off or talking after practice. Over the game, they’ve formed an inseparable bond that’s given them life off the field. Henninger’s starting quarterback Ni'Kari Richardson embraces the unity that the game brings him.
“I’ve made too many brothers on this team. Everybody on the team could just go do something with each other or chill at somebody's house. Like when the whole team is together, that’s good energy”.
Adversity is part of life and the game of football, and facing it can only make you stronger. Henninger Head Coach Nick Patterson believes that what’s learned in football can serve as guidance off the field as well.
“You have a lot of kids who only come to school for sports. It’s a sad reality, but it’s the truth. I think football pushes them to stay. I always tell them, we don’t lose, we learn. We learn through our adversity how to overcome and persevere.”
Brotherhood is the word that best describes Henninger football. The players of this team have their backs at any given moment, and their attitudes reflect their commitment to that promise. Football provides Henninger’s players with a sense of family, and gives them a reason to push themselves together.
Henninger struggles with their numbers and resources. It’s not uncommon for them to be forced to practice creatively, oftentimes not having enough players to scrimmage. It’s also common to see players practicing in jeans or pajamas, such as the player pictured, as opposed to a full practice uniform due to the lack of resources.
Head Coach Nick Patterson is cut from the same cloth as his players. He credits football with giving him his current life, saying the game introduced him to his wife, allowed him to have his family, and opened up doors for him later down the road in his life.
“I’m from where (my players) are from. I went to a city school here in Syracuse. I walked to practice, I had to ask for rides, I had to say “Hey coach can you get me this?”. I was in the same shoes as them, so I have the answers and guidance for them.”
Dee'John Dennis, a junior at Henninger High, says going to football practice with his brothers is what keeps him going. He credits football with pushing him to keep going forward in life and gives him a reason to work hard.
“Football is my life. I think football is the reason I still wake up happy every day. It keeps me going.”
Before his game against Auburn, Dee’John takes in the moment and reflects on his experiences as a member of the Henninger team. Dee’John is looking forward to returning as a leader his senior year and is ready to take the field with his brothers for one last season.
Challenges and adversity are concepts that Henninger players know all too well. Many players on the team don’t have the resources or help they need to succeed when they get home from practice. Coach Patterson recognizes this inequality and strives to bridge that gap and offer support wherever he can.
“A lot of our kids struggle with home life, but this is like an outlet for them. Football is an outlet form, which I believe helps me with my coaching style. I was meant for (these players) because I was them, and that’s why it means so much to come to a city school and coach.”
An unnamed player rides the team bus back to Henninger High after a loss against a rival school, attempting to coordinate a ride back home after the 45-minute journey.
Henninger football players are tasked with overcoming the doubt within their own community. Most of their own classmates don’t believe that the team has what it takes to be successful. Quarterback Ni'Kari Richardson believes despite the doubt, they have the camaraderie and companionship to rise above.
“It’s hard when you have people in your own school telling you that you’re gonna lose the next game. Playing for Henninger surrounds you with so much doubt. Every single game we have to try and prove that we aren't like we were last year.”
Before an away game in Auburn, New York, defensive backs huddle around their position coach for one last moment of pregame unity before taking the field.
