Playing together on the same team at the varsity level, brothers Zach and Jacob Stopay have been cherishing every moment on the football field this fall. In fact, it has been the first time in two years overall they have played together, the last being on the junior varsity level for the Roughies.

"It has been just awesome," said older brother Zach, who is a senior. "We have been waiting to do this. We have also been there to congratulate and pick each other up when we need to. This season, we have been able to celebrate when we score and also on defense."

The most notable recent celebration was when younger brother Jacob returned a punt 75 yards in his team's 43-3 victory over Salisbury last Friday. Ironically, it was the first time the younger Stopay ever returned a punt in a game.

"Alex (Parker) and I had a plan to signal to each other who would take the punt," recalled Jacob about the play. "When it came to me, I got some great blocks from him (Parker) and my brother that helped me move up field.

"When I turned the corner and saw the green (end zone), I knew there was nothing that would stop me. It was a great feeling like it has been all year for us."

Despite an impressive 4-0 start, both Stopays have approached each game with some cautious optimism. But that cautiousness has developed into confidence over the past three weeks.

"When we had Southern Lehigh with the mercy rule at halftime (a 49-8 final), we started to realize what we were doing and what we could do," recalled Zach about his team's dominating start.

"We had big expectations this season and this is the best season we have had. Still, we know we still have to work to get everything we want."

"We have gone into every game with a positive attitude," added Jacob. "We go into every game knowing we have to work at it. But lately, we have just been rolling with it."

Football has been a mainstay with the brothers as Jacob began playing in third game and Zach in fourth grade. Both brothers credit the support of Coach Sziy when they were younger in helping to form their football careers.

Their current coach is very appreciative of their workmanlike approach and attitude toward the program.

"Both brothers go out there and do what they need to do," said head coach Tom Falzone. "They don't always get all the headlines, but they are both invaluable to the program. They both know what they have to do and do it with determination."

Zach has aspirations of becoming an environmental engineer and he has perused through programs at Penn State, Drexel, and Widener. Jacob hasn't decided on a major, but he would prefer to stay close to home with a college choice. Lafayette is his top choice.

The older Stopay is a member of the school's National Honor Society and also is an office on Student Council and a member of Varsity C. Younger Jacob is also a member of Varsity C and has been an active volunteer at a number of school and local events.

Whatever they are doing both on and off the field, both brothers are relishing a season to remember.