Syracuse » In a contest full of game-changing penalties, Syracuse football coach Russ Jones was never more relieved than to see the final flag thrown in the end zone late in Friday's season-opener against visiting Copper Hills.

One play after a pass interference penalty negated a fourth-down incompletion in the end zone, Kayden Davies scored on a 3-yard run with just over three minutes left to play to help the Titans overcome the upstart Grizzlies 17-14.

"I was relieved because I thought we had quite a few (penalties) against us to begin with," Jones said of the flag. "I don't think we executed. It was one of those games where you don't put things together. A win's a win, but it wasn't the prettiest win I've been around. We've got to get some things down."

Syracuse quarterback Tanner Russell scrambled for 31 yards in the fourth quarter to get the Titans, who had trailed 14-10, in scoring position. Russell's pass intended for Rick Reardon in the right corner of the end zone drew the key penalty.

Moments before, Syracuse appeared to score, but was penalized for aiding the runner, leading to the fourth-down play.

Though their offense struggled with consistency, the Titan defense was staunch in the trenches. Syracuse totaled eight sacks, two interceptions, and a forced fumble throughout the game. Mitch Tulane's late interception near midfield sealed the win.

"We focused on keeping the quarterback inside and changing up our coverages," Jones said. "Those couple of long passes didn't help us at all."

The Grizzlies, who trailed 10-0 at halftime, rallied to take the lead behind Quin Wright and Chandler Johnson. The pair connected on touchdown passes of 61 and 74 yards -- the latter with 8:13 remaining in the game. Johnson finished with five catches for 182 yards, while Wright threw for 202 yards.

Meanwhile, Russell, who appeared indecisive at times, completed just 10 of 23 passes for 92 yards. Davies rushed for 55 yards on 11 carries.

Josh Kealamakia's 49-yard field goal and Tulane's 23-yard touchdown reception helped the Titans build their early lead before Copper Hills rallied.

Jaden Cowdin and Hunter Dimick each had a pair of sacks for Syracuse.