The developmental football team runs through drills preparing for another season.[/caption]

Members of the Houston Titans semipro-fessional football team in Spring agree there is more to being part of the organization than being successful on the field. The developmental squad attributes its success to the family atmosphere fostered by wearing a Titans uniform.

"This team is based on guys who want to perfect their craft and become better as athletes and as people," Titans owner Rodrick Peters said.

The Houston Titans are part of the Texas-based Crossroads Amateur Football League, a six-year-old league that features amateur teams throughout the state. The Titans finished 10-0 during their inaugural season in 2014, but were eliminated from the playoffs in the semifinals.

Peters, a Spring Branch ISD police officer and former athlete at Klein Forest High School, has owned the team through its first two seasons. Although the team plays its home games at the British School of Houston on Saturdays, the Titans practice at Klein Forest High School.

"We practice in this area because this is an area that has an abundant pool of talent," Peters said. "A lot of these guys don't receive the chance in high school, so we are the second shot at doing something that they love and people enjoy watching."

Peters said several of the athletes attended local schools, such as Klein Forest, Klein, Spring and Westfield high schools.

Although the team is considered semiprofessional, neither players nor coaches are paid.

"The main reason for that is because the athletes would lose all NCAA eligibility, and that would defeat the purpose of this organization," Peters said.

Peters said players pay $250 per year to join the league. The fee covers their uniforms, team shirts and film so athletes have footage to provide schools.

"They are a group of great guys, and I look at it as a family," said Jamelle Thorne, 23-year old Titans wide receiver. "You got my back, and I got yours."

Although Thorne said his motivation is to win, the Jefferson Davis High School graduate hopes to improve and eventually play at a higher level of football.

Brandon Cormier, 28, joined the team last year. A former Nimitz High School Cougars athlete, Cormier hopes to one day play for the U.S. Men's Eagles national rugby team.

"I just come ready to work," Cormier said. "I expect to always get better and have met some great people."

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