In an early-season soccer game, Jacob Ayers was surrounded by family and friends in his first big play on varsity. They weren’t in the stands, they were part of the play on the field. Jacob assisted his brother, Ayden, and best friends, Emmit and Taygen Gzym, in scoring a major goal over Zeeland East.
This isn’t the first time these brothers have played together. Brothers Ayden and Jacob and their childhood friends, brothers Emmit and Taygen, have been playing soccer together since kindergarten.
“As brothers, we play the same,” senior Ayden Ayers said. “Emmit and Taygen dribble more, while Jacob and I pass more.”
Ayden described how, because of their relationship, he and Jacob, a junior, are able to play more efficiently together than anyone else. Emmit, a senior, adds that there’s not even a need to talk to his brother because he knows there’s enough trust to believe that sophomore Taygen will follow through with his plays.
Playing as brothers in different grades on the same team is a very rare experience that not a lot of people find themselves in.
“I just wanted to have fun because it was the only time I can play with Taygen on the same team,” Emmit said.
There’s also a large advantage to being the younger siblings on a team with older brothers.
Jacob, who has recently returned to playing soccer after focusing on basketball, explained, “I’ve learned to play fast from Ayden and Emmit, especially after a long break. It’s a lot of learning from example and being told how to play from them.” Emmit added that in the summer, they like to go out to fields and practice to improve their skills for the next season.
The connection between brothers is like no other and it’s undeniable when watching it on the field. Ayden said, “We think the same because we grew up together, there’s chemistry. We know there’s trust on the field with each other.”
Jacob and Taygen moved up to varsity just this year, and just in time to play with their siblings.
“Varsity is a lot faster and more physical than JV, and it’s a lot more fun,” Jacob said. “Definitely more of a challenge.” After watching their older siblings get to play on varsity, it’s now their turn and they get to do it alongside each other.
To end off their game days, the boys go to team dinner at Culver’s and take rides in the Tesla.
With a record of 3-2-1, our team continues to bring in the wins. The varsity team hosts Hamilton tonight at 6:45. Make sure to get your pass for free by scanning a QR code around school to access all Lakers sporting events.
