BOYNE CITY — Thomas and Tristan Ager would be a load for any defender to bring down with the ball in their hands.
The twin brothers and Boyne City football seniors would also both love nothing more than to get a few carries out of the backfield.
As big, physically built athletes in a program lacking them along the line, however, the brothers also know their place.
“Ever since we stepped into middle school my Dad said, ‘Yeah, you guys are O-linemen,’” Thomas said with a laugh. “We just want to do whatever we can do to get us far and win. That’s what we’re looking for.”
That’s the kind of mindset that’s brought the Agers and Boyne City playoff runs and a semifinal trip last season.
That team first attitude is often what sets Boyne City apart on the football field.
“The way to win is having everyone come together as a team,” Tristan said. “One person can’t do it. Everyone has to come together. We’ve learned from previous years that if we try doing our own thing, it doesn’t go anywhere. Last year, when we all came together, we were like brothers.”
That brothers part is something the Agers learned from a young age. Not because of the obvious of having a twin alongside them throughout their playing career, but the other brothers that came before them.
They’re following in the footsteps of all-state brothers Jacob and Brayton Ager, along with talented sister, Brianna. They’ve grown up being pushed by the success of those that came before them and parents who understand what that takes as well.
“100 percent,” Tristan said. “But, I know each of us is our own person and we’re not trying to be like anyone else. Our parents put it on us every day, ‘Go get those kids and get in the weight room. You have to lead this team this year.’”
Thomas and Tristan are the last to come through and ready to put an emphatic stamp on a memorable Boyne City bloodline.
“It’s really fun looking to that final season, but you also don’t want it to be over at the same time,” Thomas said. “We’ve just been waiting to get here. We’ve been working out since we lost to Lansing Catholic, every single day after that.”
Tristan has been ready since the final horn of that Division 6 semifinal loss a season ago, as well, fired up to hit someone right from the start when fall practices officially began on Monday, Aug. 11.
“Ever since the loss to Lansing Catholic I’ve been ready to step right back onto the field,” Tristan said. “I’m still annoyed about that day and ready to get to work and ready to go full throttle.”
That’s the right kind of mentality Boyne City coaches and fans alike want to hear.
It can be demoralizing making it as far as the Ramblers did a year ago and not getting that spot in the title game. But rather than sulking in defeat, Boyne City appears motivated.
“I think it fires up everybody,” Thomas said. “We have a lot of new kids. I think they saw that (success) and they want to be a part of that. We had the place packed every Friday night.”
Both players will slot in along the offensive line again this season, making an impact as athletic, pulling guards. Then they’ll also be back at home on defense.
Thomas is likely to fill Ryan Spate’s job at middle linebacker, after starting at outside last season, then Tristan will be back along the defensive line at end once again. Filling Spate’s shoes leading the defense is something Thomas is excited about.
“Ryan Spate was a really good leader last year,” he said. “Any time we were down, he’d always say, ‘Head up guys, let’s go. Next play.’ That Reed City game he really showed it.”
Truthfully, if the Agers were asked to play safety, kick field goals or long snap, they would be giving it their all there as well. They’ve learned well enough what it takes to become a winning program.
“Everyone wants to be better for everyone else,” Tristan added. “Everyone is here for each other, not for themselves. I think that’s what’s going to make us good.”
Although, a few carries here or there out of the backfield might not hurt, too.
Contact or send game stats/info to Sports Editor Drew Kochanny at dkochanny@petoskeynews.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DrewKochanny, and Instagram, @drewkochanny
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Boyne City’s Ager brothers hungry, motivated as ever after football semifinals
Reporting by Drew Kochanny, The Petoskey News-Review / The Petoskey News-Review
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
