by DAVE LINK
Brayden and Cayden Latham have played football together since the little leagues in Alabama.
The twin brothers are now seniors at West, and they relish every chance to get on the field together.
They’ve got nine games left in the 2022 regular season — starting Friday when the Rebels (1-0) play host to Farragut (1-0) — and then potentially five Class 5A playoff games.
Brayden Latham (14) of the West Rebels on Sept. 17, 2021. (Photo by Danny Parker)
Five playoff games would put West in the state championship game.
But the Latham twins don’t look that far ahead.
“We just take it week by week honestly, team by team,” Cayden said. “We focus on what we can that week, so Farragut’s next, and we’re focused on their defense, their offense, what they run, what we could stop them on. We’re just focusing on Farragut.”
Cayden is a two-year starter at receiver and cornerback, last season starting in the secondary once then-senior Shannon Blair was injured.
Brayden, a two-year starter at tailback, was a starting safety last year, a spot now held by Marshaun Bowers, a transfer from The King’s Academy. But Brayden still plays defense in situations.
“They’re two really good football players and have been starting for a long time,” West coach Lamar Brown said. “They’ve got a lot of experience and make plays. Brayden’s a little bit bigger. He’s a heck of a tailback. Cayden’s got a great knack of playing the ball in the air, going up and getting the football.”
NICE START TO 2022
The Latham twins made big plays in West’s 27-7 victory at Bearden in last Friday’s season opener.
Brayden, who rushed for 985 yards and 19 touchdowns last season, ran for 122 yards on 19 carries and scored the Rebels’ first touchdown on a 4-yard run. His blocked punt gave West the ball at Bearden’s 33-yard line starting the drive.
Cayden (8) and Brayden Latham (14) pose for photo on Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2022, at West High School. (Photo by Dave Link).
After an hour weather delay, Cayden leaped for a 4-yard touchdown catch from Carson Jessie, giving the Rebels a 14-7 lead in the second quarter. Cayden intercepted a Drew Parrott pass in the final minute of the half, and two plays later had a 42-yard touchdown catch called back for a holding penalty.
West dominated in the second half, helped by Brayden’s 90 yards on 11 carries.
He said the Rebels can be better.
“We got the win, but we didn’t win the way we wanted to,” Brayden said. “We’re going to bounce back against Farragut this week.”
During the delay, Cayden took a stand in the locker room and talked to his teammates.
“I told them we had a blueprint that we needed to follow, and the leaders made up the blueprint, and they weren’t even following the blueprint,” Cayden said. “I stepped up and said something about it, and after that, we came back out and we executed our blueprint.”
HOW THEY STARTED
Cayden is Brayden’s older brother – by about 2 minutes.
“I like to say that I’m older because of my personality and stuff,” Brayden said, “but he’s big brother.”
They aren’t identical twins.
Brayden is 6-foot and 190 pounds. Cayden is 5-10, 175.
Cayden Latham of the West Rebels on Sept. 17, 2021, in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Parker)
They started playing football and basketball together as youngsters in Alabama and continued when they moved to Knoxville in the eighth grade.
They stopped playing basketball for West after last season to focus on their football careers, although they now run track.
They might quarrel on occasion, but it’s not a big deal.
“I’d say we get along,” Brayden said. “There’s a little rivalry going on, like who’s better, this and that, but we still love each other.”
Brown has watched them grow up since their freshman years.
“They’re leaders for us,” West’s coach said. “They’re great kids. Both of them last year played about every snap for us. They’re both unbelievable kids, great teammates, and love this program.”
The Latham twins have priorities.
Academics is high on the list. Cayden has a 3.6 GPA and Brayden’s is 3.5
“We lead by example, even in the school,” Cayden said. “Grades are a representation of that.”
IN THE FUTURE
Don’t be surprised if the Latham twins continue their football careers in college.
“They both definitely have a chance to go play somewhere,” Brown said. “They’re good students, leaders in our school, not just down here (at football) but in the school. Teachers love them. They’re loved here at West High School.”
Cayden would like to get a package deal for his college career.
“I would really love to play with my brother,” he said. “We have this connection, and I would really hate to lose that, honestly, going into college. It would just really be fun to play in college.”
Sounds good to Brayden.
And it would be special for their mom, Eugenie.
“My mother wants us to play college football together,” Brayden said, “and Cayden sees it too, and I’m fine with that.
“I think it will be fun.”