BURIEN, Wash. — Two brothers who both play for the Kennedy Catholic High School football team are hoping to lead the Lancers to a state title.
Over the past decade the Kennedy Catholic football team has had one of the most electric offenses in the state, with heavily recruited quarterbacks, receivers and running backs leading the way.
Brothers and linemen Lowen and Derek Colman-Brusa make a big impact on the Lancer line. Lowen, an offensive and defensive tackle, is committed to play next year for the University of Washington.
"I'm more than excited, said Lowen, a 6-foot-4, 290-pound senior. "It's been a dream of mine to play at the U, playing under Head Coach (Jedd) Fisch and the offensive line coach, Coach (Brennan) Carroll. It's definitely something that not everybody gets to experience, and so I'm very grateful that I get the opportunity to go play at the UW."
Before Lowen heads to UW, he's savoring his senior season.
"This is the year with me and him, for sure," Lowen said of his brother Derek. "Being the Colman-Brusa brothers is definitely something special."
Derek, a defensive end and right tackle, is one of the top edge rushing recruits in the country. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound junior has offers from many schools, like UW, Ohio State, Oregon and USC, but he has not committed yet.
"He's always being a leader on the field, but at the same time, he's knocking heads and picking people up," Lowen said.
This is Derek's third season playing alongside his big brother, and he said the experience is awesome.
"Not a lot of people can say they got to play with their brother," Derek said. "And so, I'm trying to cherish every moment. Play every game like it's the last. And have fun with it."
Derek and Lowen give Kennedy Catholic one of the best offensive and defensive lines in the state. One blocks the blindside, one's a beast at bringing down quarterbacks, and together they're best friends.
"We don't fight; we're always locked in with each other," said Lowen.
"My favorite thing about my brother: he's a big guy, and he's got even bigger heart," said Derek.
It's never been a competition between these two. They just want to make each other better.
"Whatever we do, we're doing it together, and I know he's always got my back, and I know I always got his," Derek said.