When Zachary Christopherson lines up in the defensive backfield, he doesn’t need to call out adjustments to his brother Tristan. The Hamilton Southeastern High School (HSE) junior twins have spent more than a decade reading each other’s minds, first on flag football fields at age 5, and now as varsity defensive backs helping lead a 3-3 Royal team.
Junior twin brothers Zachary and Tristan Christopherson are two athletes on the varsity football team who have played together since their sophomore year. On the field, they are known as “the twins,” but each is held accountable for his own plays, making them both fierce and independent competitors.
Playing alongside a twin is a huge advantage, Zachary Christopherson explained in an interview. Both athletes know each other’s moves, thoughts and lifestyle. That connection gives them a competitive edge most teammates never develop. While other players must communicate constantly during plays, the Christophersons anticipate each other’s moves instinctively.
“Most people have to communicate on plays, but we can almost do something without communicating because we think very alike and know what to do already,” Zachary Christopherson said. “Communication is one of the hardest things about football, and we just don’t have to worry about it.”
Their ability to read the field and anticipate each other’s moves allows them to adjust instantly to changing situations during the game. That connection extends beyond plays to how they approach practice and preparation.
“As twins, we both think of the same things most of the time. Before or during plays, we really don’t need to communicate because we already know what to do,” Tristan Christopherson said.
The brothers push each other constantly, giving feedback that is as honest as it is tough. Constructive criticism is the foundation of the brothers’ improvement. The tight bond allows Tristan and Zachary to take the feedback as love and not hate.
“We give harsh but real feedback and coaching,” Zachary Christopherson said. “As much as we may not like it, we still allow it to process and make us better.”
That honest approach sets them apart from typical teammate relationships.
“No one communicates and critiques each other like we do. In the long run, we have a huge advantage against other teams,” Tristan Christopherson said.
The competitiveness between them can be intense, but it’s also motivating. Tristan said the toughest part about being compared to his twin is how they are constantly trying to outdo each other in everything they do.
“It’s competitive, but it also pushes us to be better,” Tristan Christopherson said.
Even when injuries or setbacks happen, the twins support each other while continuing to strive for improvement.
“During track season and our freshman year, I had injuries,” Tristan Christopherson said. “It really sucked because I saw how my twin was performing well. It encouraged me to work harder while also cheering him on.”
Their personalities also complement each other on and off the field. From day one, the Christophersons learned and grew with each other.
“From a coach’s perspective, we bring constant energy and positivity,” Tristan Christopherson said. “I bring a lot of seriousness; meanwhile, he brings more playfulness, and it complements really well, especially in tough or good times.”
Zachary added that playing beside Tristan actually reduces the pressure he feels on the field. Family support often fuels a player’s confidence, and the twins have that advantage every game.
“I almost feel less pressure and more comfortable because I have someone who knows what I see and can understand better,” Zachary Christopherson said. “It’s almost like having an extra playmaker when we are playing.”
After high school, both expect to continue playing together, carrying their chemistry and legacy to the next level.
“I can easily see myself playing more football beside my twin and hope to make it to the next level,” Tristan Christopherson said.
Both hope their time at Hamilton Southeastern will be remembered not just for their skills, but also for the energy, leadership and high-spirited nature they brought to the team.
“I hope our legacy at Hamilton Southeastern will be remembered as the high-spirited twins but individually great people and leaders,” Tristan Christopherson said.
