Brock and Brody Kehler cherish their time together on the playing field

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

But sometimes the man next to you is more than just a brother you got through football; they are your blood.

That’s the case for Brock and Brody Kehler, who play on the gridiron for the University Hawks 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 chance to put on the same uniform and hit the field together to play football. This season, however, they have had the opportunity, 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 wanted to do,” Brody said. “We have been able to play almost every game together this season and have been on the field together almost every game. It helps me a lot during competitions and training, knowing that I have him to help me or show me something I can improve. It’s great to be there with him.”

In UHS’s defense, Brock and Brody are a punishing duo who control the middle of the field as linebackers.

But on offense, they work together to do the most damage. Brock lines up at fullback and tight end, while Brody carries the ball as the Hawks start running back.

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

Brock has led the way for his younger brother all season and also has five catches 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 footballer, he loves the game and plays the right way. Seeing him do that is one thing, but having the opportunity to block for him and help him accomplish things on the field is what really makes it special to me.

Because UHS’ roster included a large group of underclassmen, Brody knew he had an opportunity to make a positive impact on the team early on. He says he has already learned what it takes to be a leader from watching Brock.

“He’s a very outspoken leader, and that’s what you need in football,” Brody said. “Both on and off the field, he always sets a positive example for his teammates, and I know he is someone I can learn from as he is one of the next guys who will be a leader and captain for our team in the future become.”

Their head coach, Eric Snyder, says the two complement each other well on the court because of their different skill sets.

“Brody brings more speed to his game, while Brock brings more power to his game,” Snyder said. “They always do things together, outside of school and football. I always see them on the golf course spending time together. I know they were concerned about playing together since this was Brock’s senior year and Brody was a freshman, but it was clear early on that Brody could make an impact for us on the varsity, and he did 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 49-14 his freshman season, but the Hawks have suffered one-possession losses the past two seasons (21-20 in 2022 and 26-18 in 2023).

“The records are going out this week,” Brock said. “This is a rivalry and the match we have on the schedule every year. It’s an exciting week, but once you step onto the field you have to keep your emotions in check and do your job. That is also the message to Brody and the rest of the team. Don’t be too progressive and enjoy playing football.”

The 2024 Mohawk Bowl starts Friday evening at 7:00 PM at Pony Lewis Field.