When male athletes talk about their teammates, they almost always talk about a brotherhood. At Sahuaro, that brotherhood is more than just a metaphor — it’s a reality.
The Cougars (3-1), who host Cholla on Friday, boast four sets of siblings in their varsity program, including two pairs of twins.
Coach Scott McKee said it’s not the first time the Cougars have had brothers on the roster. Two of McKee’s current linebackers had older brothers on the team last year and one of his free safeties has a younger brother on the freshman team.
“But I’ve never had them all in the same year like that,” McKee said. “It’s pretty cool.”
McKee said having so many siblings — who actually get along — play together is helpful for the team. They all grew up together, so it’s helped the Cougars build stronger chemistry than usual.
It helps that they’re all juniors and seniors. Twins Travis and Trevor Armstrong are juniors while twins Cameron and Christopher Williams are seniors. Brothers Phillip (junior) and Conner Burish (senior) are a year apart, as are Ahmad Hunter and older brother Amir Hunter-Higgins.
McKee only has this season and next with the team of brothers.
“We’ll see what happens,” McKee said of the program after all the brothers graduate. “It’s surprising to have two sets of twins. Usually you have (siblings) sprinkled across the program … but you rarely get that many on the same team. But it’s good for rides.”
VERY DIFFERENT TWINS
Cameron Williams started playing football when he was in fourth grade. His twin was “the nerd,” Cameron said.
Regardless, Christopher Williams picked up the sport in sixth grade after watching some of his twin’s games. But playing football is about the only thing they do together.
“I have a job; he’s smarter,” Cameron said, joking about the main difference between him and Christopher.
Even though they have enjoyed playing together, neither Cameron nor Christopher believe they’ll move on to college together. Cameron wants to continue playing football as long as he can, and Christopher wants to become a veterinarian.
That means 2018 is likely the final season the Williams brothers will take the field together.
A PAIR OF GOOFBALLS
The Armstrong twins didn’t start playing football together. Initially, Trevor Armstrong didn’t like football, but he eventually came around and joined his twin Travis in Pop Warner.
They also played both baseball and basketball together.
Even though Trevor said he considers himself the more quiet brother, Travis said they both act pretty silly on the field.
They fight like any brothers do, but they sometimes fake it during practices to get a laugh out of their teammates.
“We give a lot of humor to the team,” Travis said.
The twins said they don’t have plans after high school, but they hope to be able to attend college.
LIKE TWINS
Conner and Phillip Burish are a year apart, but the 17- and 16-year old, respectively, finish each other’s sentences and are pretty much attached at the hip.
On a typical day, which includes going to school and practicing, the Burish brothers said they spend just about 24 hours together. They even share the same group of friends.
Along with football, they’ve played baseball, soccer and swam together.
“We’re like best friends,” Conner said.
Because they spend so much time together, the Burish brothers say they can’t imagine what their lives will be like after Conner graduates in May.
“It’s going to be so weird,” Phillip said.
But Conner Burish said he’s sure they’ll eventually reunite at the same college and continue doing everything together.
“He’ll be my roommate,” Conner said.
COMING TOGETHER
Ahmad Hunter and Amir Hunter-Higgins said it will be an adjustment next year when they no longer go to school together or share the same uniform, but it won’t be that big of a culture shock.
Amir, a Cougars receiver, is playing his fourth year on varsity, while Ahmad is playing his first.
Ahmad just started playing football last year, while his older brother started in eighth grade.
Like the Williams twins, football is the main hobby the pair shares.
But even though they’ll be OK splitting up after the school year, Ahmad and Amir said they have enjoyed the opportunity to play together.
“There’s better communication (within the team),” Amir said about playing with his brother and other siblings. “It’s better for how we get along with each other.”
