MORGANTOWN – Any athlete who has ever played football will tell you that the boy standing next to them on the field was considered nothing less than a brother to them. Someone they could rely on when things got tough and they needed a helping hand or a shoulder to lean on.

But sometimes, the boy next to you is more than just a brother you have gained through football; They are your blood.

Such is the case for Brock and Brody Kehler, who play for the University Hawks on the gridiron and are thoroughly enjoying their only season together at Baker’s Ridge.

Brock is a senior and Brody is a freshman, so the two haven’t had the opportunity to experience putting on the same uniform and taking the field together to play football. However, they had the opportunity this season, as Brody secured a starting position on the varsity for head coach Eric Snyder and the Hawks.

“Being able to play football with Brock has always been something I’ve wanted to do,” Brody said. “We have been able to play almost every game together this season and be on the field together on almost every play. It helps me a lot during games and practices, knowing that I have him to help me or show me something I can improve on. “It’s great to be there with him.”

On UHS defense, Brock and Brody are a demanding duo who dominate the middle of the field as linebackers.

But on offense, they combine to do the most damage. Brock lines up at fullback and tight end, with Brody carrying the ball as the Hawks’ starting running back.

Brody has carried the ball 67 times for 310 yards and six touchdowns in 2024, averaging 4.6 yards per carry.

Brock has been leading the way for his younger brother all season and also has five receptions for 68 yards.

“It’s great to see him do the things I know he can do,” Brock said of Brody. “He has always been a great football player, he loves the game and plays the right way. Seeing him do that is one thing, but having the opportunity to block him and help him accomplish things on the field is what really makes it special to me.”

With the UHS roster including a great group of freshmen, Brody knew he had the opportunity to make a positive impact on the team from the start. He says he already learned what it takes to be a leader by watching Brock.

“He’s a very vocal leader, and that’s what you need to be in football,” Brody said. “On and off the field, he always sets a positive example for his teammates, and I know he is someone I can learn from in terms of being one of the next to be a leader and captain of our team in the future.”

Their head coach, Eric Snyder, says the two complement each other well on the field because of their different skills.

“Brody brings more speed to his game, while Brock brings more power to his game,” Snyder said. “They are always doing things together outside of school and football. I always see them on the golf course and spending time together. I know you were worried about playing together since this is Brock’s last year and Brody is a freshman, but it was evident from the beginning that Brody could make an impact for us on varsity, and he has done well. on that occasion.”

One thing Brody was sure to ask Brock about, especially this week, was what the experience of playing in the Mohawk Bowl feels like.

Brock has played in the last three Mohawk Bowls, with UHS winning its first season 49-14, but the Hawks have experienced losses by one possession in the previous two seasons (21-20 in 2022 and 26-18 in 2023).

“The records came out this week,” Brock said. “This is a rivalry, and we mark the game annually on the calendar. It’s an exciting week, but once you get out on the field, you have to control your emotions and do your job. That’s also the message for Brody and the rest of the team. Don’t get too far ahead of yourself and have fun playing football.”

The 2024 Mohawk Bowl will begin at 7:00 pm at Pony Lewis Field on Friday night.