Taking on a team sport can often create a familial bond between teammates. However, brothers senior Carson Chang and sophomore Kyle Chang take this one step further, leading the varsity and JV football teams as quarterbacks, respectively.

Carson said their bond around football started at a young age, with simple games of catch. These games have now evolved into him serving as a mentor for his younger brother, Carson added.

“I’ve taught him a lot of things, and I think I am part of the reason why he also chose to play quarterback,” Carson said. “It’s really nice to see him getting out there and learning every day alongside me.”

Similarly, Kyle said their mentor-mentee dynamic holds true on the field, as his brother is always the first person to come to his aid.

“He’s always been like a role model to me [because] he’s always helped me get better and given me advice during games if I’m down,” Kyle said. “During my first game, in the first half, I wasn’t playing very well. During the second half, he showed up, and he tried calming me down. I played a lot better after that.”

Varsity coach Shawn Hook said that he saw the brothers’ relationship in action over the summer, pushing each other to perform better. Hook said he looks forward to seeing them develop their skills together. 

“Carson is definitely an older brother that can give his younger brother a hard time, but he has helped him on several things,” Hook said. “I have seen Carson take Kyle out after practice and show him a few things, just dropping back and throwing the football and helping him that way.”

Since his older brother is the varsity captain, Kyle said he is learning by example as he takes on the same leadership role in JV.

“Whenever he steps up for the team, it always helps me also step up for JV,” Kyle said. “If we’re losing during halftime, I always speak up and try to cheer everyone up and be really vocal on the field and off the field at the same time.”

While Carson is leaving for college next year, Hook said the bond and mentality the brothers share will set them up for future success.

Carson said he is confident in his brother taking over as varsity quarterback later on, knowing he will help lead the team to a successful season. 

“I’m excited to see him fill in my shoes as I leave,” Carson said. “I’ll definitely come back to watch him play, and it’ll be good to see him move up to varsity and play with some of the younger guys that [remain on the team].”