Many sports enthusiasts will agree that football can be a much less personal game than others. It can be hard to relate to a player when their face and head are almost always covered by a bulky helmet and facemask. If not for the numbers on a player’s jersey, their identity quite often remains a mystery. Being able to see the players’ faces tends to add a different feel to the viewing experience; you may not know each player individually, but for a split second, it almost feels as if you can connect with them.
Every so often, on the sidelines of Goddard Field, amongst the crowd of competitors, you’ll see two players in particular engaging in conversation near the Gatorade cooler. One wears jersey #2, and the other, #8. Hand gestures and calm reactions are the driving force behind their exchanges. If you’re lucky, one of them may crack a smile every once in a while. What makes the interactions between these two special, however, is the fact that their mannerisms appear so similar. It’s almost as if each one can anticipate the reaction of the other; as if there is a connection between them that extends far beyond the gridiron.
But then the two remove their helmets. And the confirmation is clear: These two are much more than just teammates. They are brothers. Twin brothers. Indistinguishable to the point that, aside from the unique number adorning their uniforms, it is nearly impossible to tell them apart.
Meet Zach and Zane Edmondson. Separated by only one minute (Zane is older), the boys are as close as siblings can be. The only children of Steve and Trish Edmondson, they share a strong love of family and friends that can easily carry a person through anything. That loyalty and solidarity seamlessly translates into their everyday lives as Valiants.
After transferring to Valwood from Brooks County High School (Quitman, Ga.) prior to their sophomore year, both boys quickly found their niche on the football field. Their quick acceptance on the gridiron easily translated to a feeling of belonging in every aspect of their new academic setting.
“It’s just an excellent environment to be in,” Zane said. “We heard a lot of great things about Valwood, and it feels good to know that it was all true. I have a good relationship with all of my teammates, and the fans are great.”
Zane offered arguably his best season of his high school career as a junior. In 2013, he rushed for 957 yards on 102 attempts (both team-highs), and he added 12 touchdowns on the ground, which was a tie for the most out of the backfield. Through the air, he was just as valuable, hauling in 14 receptions (totaling 161 yards) and one touchdown. Defensively, he accounted for three and a half tackles (two solo) for a Valiants team that posted a near-flawless season (12-1, 5-0 in Region 3-AA), going undefeated before falling to the Blue Thunder of Memorial Day Academy (Savannah, Ga.) in the GISA Class AA State Championship. His impressive season was enough to get him named to the GISA All-Region (3-AA) team.
Though a collarbone injury heavily restricted Zach’s playing time in 2013, he was still able to contribute when healthy, giving the team 152 yards on 18 carries (with one touchdown). On the opposing side of the ball, he made his presence known at the defensive end, totaling three and a half tackles on the season (two solo).
“(Zach) was out for eight weeks last season,” said Valwood head football coach Ashley Henderson. “He came back for the last regular season game and played throughout the playoffs. He worked just as hard when he returned, trying to get his timing back and get back on the field. His time was limited because Zane had such a good year and was so explosive at the running back position. He is now better than ever and 100 percent.”
Both boys are tremendous assets to Valwood’s football team, who, at the time of this writing, are 8-1 (including 5-0 in their region) after moving up a class before the season, from AA to AAA. Through the first nine games, Zane totaled 325 yards and four touchdowns on 83 rushing attempts.
While the 2014 season has proven to be more of the same for him, it has also served as a reminder to the opposition that, when healthy, Zach can be just as dangerous. Zach has put together an impressive season, responsible for 278 yards on 23 carries. He has also recorded 14 tackles and one interception on defense, as well as a special teams touchdown on a kickoff return.
“I refused to get down or discouraged when I went out last season,” Zach said. “I know that everything happens for a reason, so I just trusted that God would take care of me and I pushed myself to come back strong.”
Once football season ends, the boys lose the helmets and head to the track, where Zach competes in 100-meter, 200-meter, 400-meter, 4×1, and 4×4 relays. Zane takes part in the 100-meter, 400-meter, 4×1, and 4×4. Each has won bronze medals at the state championships for Valwood.
The brothers have proven to be outstanding assets, both athletically and academically. But what sets them apart from the pack is their dedication to leadership and camaraderie. Both are seen as tremendous leaders in the locker room and on the field.
“Zach and Zane are good Christian leaders, first and foremost,” Coach Henderson said. “They are strong in their faith and are a friend to everyone on the team. They are also gifted athletes and football players.”
Both boys have their future in sight. They are applying to the University of Oregon, University of Louisville, and Liberty University. Zach plans to major in sports management, while Zane has decided on psychology.
“Valwood has teachers that genuinely want you to succeed,” Zach said. “Also, I’ve met some great people since coming here. I have made some life-long friendships from being here.”
Prior to the 2013 season, the football team coined a one-word catchphrase to sum up their focus for the year: “Relentless.” The team had a unified mindset that nothing could stand in their way. Zach and Zane Edmondson are ideal personifications of their team mantra. With the perfect combination of a strong work ethic, a calm, cool demeanor, and their “never-say-die” attitudes, whether or not they will find success after high school, is all but a mystery.
Favorites:
Zach
Meal: Grilled chicken (with A1 steak sauce), greens, mashed potatoes
Snack: Dill pickles, sunflower seeds
Movie: God’s Not Dead, Soul Surfer
Actor/Actress: Shia LeBeouf, Jennifer Lawrence, AnnaSophia Robb
Team (College and/or pro): Oregon Ducks
Athlete: LaMichael James, Bethany Hamilton
Subject: Composition
Place to travel: Europe
Zane
Meal: Steak, mashed potatoes
Snack: Sunflower seeds
Movie: Fury
Actor/Actress: Alicia von Rittberg
Team (College and/or pro): Oregon Ducks, Georgia Bulldogs
Athlete: Marcus Mariota
Subject: English
Place to travel: Europe
South Georgia/December 2014
Zach and Zane Edmondson
Valwood School
Valdosta, Georgia
