MORGANTOWN – Any athlete who has played football in their lifetime will tell you that the guy next to him on the field was considered nothing short of a brother to them. Someone they could rely on when the going got tough, and they needed a helping hand or a shoulder to lean on.
But sometimes, the guy next to you is more than just a brother you’ve gained through football; they’re your blood.
Such is the case for Brock and Brody Kehler, who feature for the University Hawks on the gridiron and are thoroughly enjoying their lone season together on Baker’s Ridge.
Brock is a senior, and Brody is a freshman, so the two haven’t had the chance to experience putting on the same uniform and taking the field together to play football. However, they have had the opportunity this season, as Brody secured a starting position on 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’ve been able to play nearly every game together this season and be on the field together almost every play. It helps me so much during games and practices, knowing I have him to help me out or show me something I could improve on. It’s great being out there with him.”
On defense for UHS, Brock and Brody are a punishing duo commanding the middle of the field as linebackers.
But on offense, they link up to do the most damage. Brock lines up as a 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 has five catches for 68 yards as well.
“It’s great just seeing him do the things I know he can do,” Brock said of Brody. “He’s always been a great football player, and he loves the game and plays the right way. Seeing him do that is one thing, but having the chance to block for him and help him achieve things on the field is what really makes it special for me.”
With UHS’s roster including a large group of underclassmen, Brody knew he had the chance to make a positive impact on the team early on. He says he’s 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 that he is someone I can learn from as far as being one of the next guys to be a leader and captain for our team going forward.”
Their head coach, Eric Snyder, says the two complement each other well on the field because of their differing skill sets.
“Brody brings more of the speed in his game while Brock brings more power in his,” Snyder said. “They’re always doing things together outside of school and football. I always see them on the golf course and spending time together. I know they were concerned about playing together, with this being Brock’s senior year and Brody being a freshman, but it was apparent early on that Brody could make an impact for us on varsity, and he has done well in that opportunity.”
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 his freshman season 49-14, but the Hawks have experienced one-possession losses the previous two seasons (21-20 in 2022 and 26-18 in 2023).
“Records are out the door this week,” Brock said. “This is a rivalry, and the game we have circled yearly on the schedule. It’s an exciting week, but once you step out on the field, you must keep your emotions in check and do your job. That’s the message to Brody and the rest of the team, too. Don’t get too ahead of yourself, and have fun playing football.”
The 2024 Mohawk Bowl will kick off at 7:00 p.m. at Pony Lewis Field on Friday night.
